Thelma "Dicie" Ward Davis

Dicie was born in Nash County on June 16, 1926 to the late Lloyd Earl and Eunice Lamb Ward.

In addition to her parents, Dicie is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert C. Davis Jr.

She is survived by: Her children Drew Davis Malcolm (Steve) and Herb Davis III (Debbie Vick);

Her grandchildren: Joshua Vick Davis (Brooke Bambrick), James Ward Malcolm (Emily Creech), Natalie Malcolm Dameron (Patrick); and 6 great-grandchildren: Tyler Davis, Bennett Davis, Cecelia Davis,

Olivia Malcolm, Hudson Malcolm, Chloe Dameron.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 15, 2021 at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7502 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27612.

Thank you to the staff, care managers and residents who loved Miss Dicie or Nana, at Sunrise on Providence in Charlotte, NC. Also our appreciation and thanks to the Union County Hospice nurses and staff who visited and cared for Dicie this past year and Chaplin Carl for his spiritual support. Lastly, McWhorter Hospice House of Monroe, Union Co. where the nurses were earthly angels who cared for Dicie as she transitioned to her heavenly home. The family is forever grateful.

Dicie's Story:

Thelma Dicie Ward was born in Rocky Mount NC on June 16, 1926, to Eunice Delia Lamb Ward and Lloyd Earl Ward. Dicie was their only child, and she grew up visiting and sharing many special times with her relatives in Spring Hope NC. Dicie and her parents lived in Wilmington NC. Earl worked for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Dicie attended Hemingway Elementary School and New Hanover High School. During her teen years at New Hanover, she found her true love in Herbert C Davis Jr. (aka Buddy) Buddy was 1 year ahead of her in school. Their families were backdoor neighbors at that time, but Dicie and Buddy’s relationship grew into high school sweethearts by his graduation in 1942.

After his high school graduation, Buddy enlisted for military service and was sent overseas during WWII. He returned to attend NC State College in Raleigh. After his return from service, Buddy and Dicie were married on August 23, 1947. At that point, Dicie joined Buddy in Raleigh while he was finishing his classes at State, and they lived in Vetville on campus. After his graduation, Buddy worked in Raleigh so their first years as a married couple were spent in Raleigh. Drew was born on March 29, 1951. On March 5, 1955, Herb III joined the family. Buddy’s career took the family back to live in Wilmington, NC when Drew was a toddler. In 1963, the family returned to live in Raleigh. Buddy and Dicie bought a home in a new neighborhood called Lakemont near North Hills. They lived together in this house for the next 48 years.

During those many years, Buddy worked for ITT and for the State of NC. Dicie worked as a homemaker and mom. She also had a part time job at Ivey’s in North Hills as a sales associate. Dicie had a great sense of style and fashion, so she was well-suited for this position (no pun intended). Drew graduated from Broughton High School and then attended college at UNC- Chapel Hill. Herb graduated from Sanderson High School and attended Lees McRae College in Banner Elk NC.

In July of 1976, Drew married Steve Malcolm. They reside in Matthews NC.

In June of 1979, Herb married Debbie Vick and they reside in Raleigh NC.

Eventually when Buddy retired, Dicie and Buddy began to travel often and find ways to enjoy their new free time. They enjoyed trips to New York and Pennsylvania. Buddy participated in his 101st army reunions and Dicie enjoyed the adventures north as well as the festivities. She made new friends along the way. While they were traveling north, they would go antiquing in the Amish country of Pa. Once again, making new friends as they traveled around the countryside.

After multiple trips, they decided to purchase an RV called a “Minnie Winnie” to make their travels even more fun.

High School reunions were another source of fun festivities and travel back to their hometown of Wilmington. Both Dicie and Pop (as he is known in our family) stayed in contact and cherished their close friendships from their New Hanover High School days. They had many good times together at NHHS Reunions.

On December 22, 1981, Joshua Vick Davis was born to Debbie and Herb. Josh was the first grandchild and Dicie found a new passion in her role as a grandmother. After Josh was born, Dicie became known as TwoMama.

On March 4, 1982, James Ward Malcolm was born to Drew and Steve.

Lastly, Natalie Drew Malcolm was born to Drew and Steve on December 19, 1985.

The three grandchildren were Dicie’s pride and joy. She was happy and fulfilled as TwoMama. She was a doting grandmother and loved her time spent with the grandchildren. She tried to be present at many of the grandchildren’s activities and sports events. This was a little challenging since Ward and Natalie lived in Charlotte, but Dicie would not be discouraged. Pop and Dicie drove to Charlotte frequently.

Another favorite past time for Dicie and Pop was spending time together at the Olde House in Shallotte, NC. Whether with family, friends or just the two of them, the Olde House is a special place for everyone in our family and Dicie and Pop cherished their time there too.

In 2010, Josh and Brooke were married. Dicie and Pop were able to attend together although Pop’s health was failing.

On April 11, 2011. Dicie lost her precious Buddy, and her heart was broken by the loss of her lifelong companion. Shortly afterward, in June of 2011, Ward and Emily were married and in August of 2013, Natalie and Patrick were married. Dicie attended both family milestone occasions but without Pop by her side. Dicie struggled accepting her role as a widow, but she continued to live in their Lakemont home until the fall of 2016.

In December of 2016, she moved to Abbotswood at Stonehenge because her health was rapidly declining, and she could not continue to live independently at her Lakemont home.

On August 8, 2019, Dicie suffered a broken hip from a fall and upon her release from the hospital she went to live at Sunrise on Providence Rd in Charlotte NC.

In Charlotte she was closer in proximity to Drew.

On Sunday October 10, 2021, Dicie left us to join her “love” Buddy. We know that they are together again. We will miss Dicie, but we know that she is genuinely happy for her heavenly reunion with Buddy and her parents, Eunice and Earl.

Until we meet again...

Drew and Steve Herb and Debbie

Josh and Brooke Ward and Emily Natalie and Patrick Tyler, Bennett and Cece Olivia and Hudson Chloe