Lucy Ward Adair

Lucy Blake Ward Adair, the youngest of three daughters of Annie Laurie Blake and Edward Benjamin Ward, was born in Onslow County, NC, October 3, 1917. She attended Woman's College, now UNC-G, and returned to Wilmington employed as a legal secretary. While visiting her mother at James Walker Hospital, she met an intern, William Adair. They married on October 5, 1940 and soon moved to Erwin. While Dr. Adair practiced medicine, Lucy made their home welcoming and shared her special talents generously in the community. She was devoted to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, where she served on the Altar Guild and the Vestry. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church Women, and she held leadership positions both there and in the Diocese. In addition, she was a founding board member of Hospice of Harnett County, now part of Transitions LifeCare. She was also active in the Harnett County Medical Auxiliary, the Good Hope Hospital Lady Board of Visitors, and the Cornelius Harnett chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

Lucy liked sports, especially golf, for the challenges of the game. She seldom mentioned that she was once club champion and a competitive golfer.

In her long, active life, Lucy most enjoyed gathering family and friends at home. She prepared for every occasion in thoughtful detail, and her gracious hospitality made everyone an honored guest. Christmas was her favorite season. She loved to decorate and to lavish attention on others. She was forever young, enthusiastic, and practical in thinking of ways to share cheer, comfort, and kind thoughts. She lived every day with purpose, a grateful heart, and a keen sense of humor. She made many friends along the way.

Lucy died June 8, at age 99.

She is survived by her daughters Rosemary (Smedes York) and Ann (Jeffrey Calamos) and her grandchildren George Smedes York, Jr. (Parker); William Wesley York; and Adair Calamos Blount (Michael). She was proud of four great-grandchildren: George Smedes York, III; William Bowen Nixon York; Charles Crawford York; and Laura Anderson Blount.

The family is grateful for care given by Dr. James Parsons and Maribel Ortega.

A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Erwin, Tuesday, June 13th, at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Private burial will be at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Beaufort, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to St. Stephen's Church, 201 Denim Drive, Erwin, NC 28339, or Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.