Mary Thompson Fowler Ward

She was born on August 1, 1925 in Goldsboro, NC to the late Paul Maxton Thompson and Alice Herring Thompson. Despite the challenges of growing up during the Great Depression, she had a wonderful childhood centered on family, friends, Rosewood School and Pine Forest Methodist Church.

After attending Elon College, Mary moved to Raleigh, NC where she resided for the remainder of her life and began a long and successful career in the mortgage banking industry. Her great fortune was meeting Cliff Cameron, co-founder of Cameron-Brown Company. Mary was one of Cliff’s first hires at Cameron-Brown, which grew to become one of the largest mortgage banks in the U.S. and was ultimately acquired by First Union National Bank. Mary spent 33 rewarding years at Cameron-Brown, retiring in 1984 as a Senior Vice President. She always viewed her co-workers and their families as her own, developing many lifelong friendships along the way.

Mary’s numerous retirement years were every bit as fruitful and happy as her working years. Following up on a career-long vow to focus on the game of golf, she immersed herself in the sport, playing into her early 90’s. Always maintaining a calm and modest demeanor during a round, family members knew that underneath there was a competitive drive that was entertaining to watch when thrust upon an unsuspecting opponent. Mary also married Dr. Tom Ward in her early retirement years. Until his passing 12 years later, they shared many happy times, spending many winters in Florida playing golf with friends from Raleigh. She also gained great satisfaction in volunteering at Highland Methodist Church, where she was a member for many decades, and also at Springmoor Retirement Community, where she resided over the later years of her life.

In many ways, Mary was a Renaissance woman. She displayed an incredible array of talents throughout her life: a hardworking farm girl with an incredible work ethic, a single working mother who successfully raised a son, a female corporate executive who successfully navigated and broke new ground in the business world of the 60’s and 70’s, a true sports buff who was both an eager participant or spectator, an extraordinary cook of many favorite recipes (including a high school sports team even named after her famous pound cake), a woman who appreciated social graces and a great dance, and most important, a nurturing mother, grandmother and great grandmother - a woman with an outgoing personality who always loved sharing a kind word, warm hug and smile - and a good joke and laugh - with anyone she could. Nobody was a stranger and no situation was uncomfortable for her - she could do it all.

Mary’s happiest moments were spent with family - anywhere and anytime. In particular, she loved being with family in church, at home during the holidays, at UNC games, at her beloved Fripp Island, strolling the streets of New York City, in the kitchen, on a dance floor, on a golf course – it really didn’t matter. And her family revered and loved her. Those early life lessons of the importance of family always provided refuge and enjoyment. Coupled with her faith being her anchor and true north, it was more than enough.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Thomas M. Ward, a sister, Evelyn Castlebury, three brothers: Morris Thompson, Paul Thompson and William Thompson, two stepsons, Thomas Ward, Jr, and Ron Ward. She is survived by a son, Neal Franklin Fowler of Raleigh, NC, a stepdaughter, Martha Ward (Bart) of Chicago, IL, three grandchildren: Wilson Griffin Fowler (Sapphira) of Raleigh, NC, Caroline Fowler Zamadics (Tom) and their daughter Florence Olivia Zamadics of Charleston, SC, Mary Maxton Fowler of Raleigh, NC, and many loving nephews and nieces.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC on Friday, April 26 at 1:00pm.

The family would like to thank the outstanding staffs of Springmoor Village and Transitions LifeCare, and in particular, Mrs. Edna Hicks, for their amazing care and support.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, or Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC, 27607.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street.