Nancy McDaniel Ward

TRENT WOODS | Nancy McDaniel Ward, affectionately known as "Neena" and “Nanna” by her family, died peacefully at her home in Trent Woods during the early evening hours of October 17, 2023, surrounded by her adoring family. She was 76 years young. Her Oncologist, Rick Gorman, took a dedicated interest in her treatment and helped give her the special gift of additional time with her family and friends. Nancy fought her illness with strength, dignity and true grace. She never complained and never lost her wonderful sense of humor.

Nancy was born in New Bern on February 10, 1947. She was the oldest of two children born to Mary Cuthrell McDaniel and Charles Newell McDaniel. At a young age, Nancy grew up helping her mother and father with the duties of running the Craven County Rest Home. This experience made a lasting impression which prompted her to serve as president of the New Bern Benevolent Society helping indigent women later in life. In 1965 she graduated New Bern High School and was crowned Homecoming “Queen,” a nickname her friends affectionately called her thereafter.

After High School, Nancy worked in real estate for Beasley Kelso and Willis Smith where she learned the business and made numerous friends. In the mid-eighties Nancy joined her longtime friend, Lou Proctor, and started Art Gallery Limited, selling the work of artists from across the state. This experience sparked a lifetime love of art and a passion for interior design. She had a gift for remodeling homes and loved helping her children with special projects as well. Nancy was also known for throwing “Legendary parties,” from Christmas Eve events to New Year’s Eve oyster roasts and many more; they were experiences no one will ever forget! Nancy was a beautiful person inside and out, and her superpower was the unconditional love she bestowed on her family and friends. She was always there if you needed support, or advice. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Cuthrell McDaniel and father, Charles Newell McDaniel. She is survived by her adoring family: her husband Dec Ward; brother Charlie McDaniel and wife Vicki; son Tommy Lewis and his sons Cole and Charlie; daughter Mary Ann Stewart and husband Stedman and their children Mary Scott, Michael, Spencer, Fletcher and Nelson; son Charles Ward; son Dal Ward and wife Brook of Charleston, SC; daughter Duffy Ingle and her sons, Greylan and Sawyer of Charleston, SC. In addition to Dr. Gorman, our family wishes to thank all of her doctors and their nurses at

Carolina East Health Center and her Hospice nurses, who gave her the best care possible! In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the Craven County Home Health Hospice, PO Drawer 12610, New Bern, NC 28561.

To the Queen of our family, we love you now and forever. Thank you for being the most amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

A celebration of her life will be 11:00 AM, Friday, October 27, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Anna Straight and Rev. Rich Boyd officiating. The family will receive guests in the church Session Hall following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Ward family.