Pearl Beatrice Long Ward

HICKORY- Pearl Beatrice Long Ward, 87, passed away April 26, 2015 at Brookdale after several months of declining health. Pearl was born October 1, 1927 in Haywood Co. to the late William Arthur and Josie Owens Long. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Howard Lee Ward; 6 brothers and a sister. She was a member of Sandy Ridge Wesleyan Church where she was a former member of the choir and nursery attendant and retired from Drexel Heritage. Surviving is her daughters, Evelyn Lail and husband, Mack of Claremont and Sandra Little and husband, Jim of Hickory; granddaughters, Sherry Baxley and husband, Randy of Conover and Brandee Little Allen of Fuquay Varina, NC; grandson, Scott Little and wife, Andrea of Hickory; great grandsons, Nolan Smith and wife, Bailey and James Simmons; great granddaughters, Alysia Smith and Desiree Smith and a sister, Chloe Putnam of Hickory. Services will be Wednesday, April 29, at 3:00 P. M. at Sandy Ridge Wesleyan Church with Rev. Scott Howard officiating. Pallbearers will be Scott Little, Randy Baxley, Nolan Smith, James Simmons, James Cannon, and David Ward. Interment will follow in Catawba Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 28, at Hickory Funeral Home from 7:30 until 9:00 P. M.Memorials may be made to Sandy Ridge Wesleyan Church, 2330 16th. St. NE, Hickory, N. C. 28601 or to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, N. C. 28658. Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com. Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.