Teresa Leigh Ward

Teresa (Terry) Leigh Ward, of Valle Crucis, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 17, surrounded by the love of family and friends after 65 years of filling the world with kindness and creativity.

Born in Watauga County, Terry was the daughter of Robert Howard "Bob" Ward and Geraldene "Gerry" Trivett Ward. She was a lifelong resident of Valle Crucis and treasured the beauty, traditions, and close-knit community of the place she proudly called home.

Terry was known for her kind heart, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. She loved her cats, wildflowers, and making little treasures for family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with those she loved, celebrating family traditions, and creating lasting memories with each generation. Her gentle spirit, caring nature, and warm smile will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Howard "Bob" Ward, her beloved sister, Tamberlyn "Tammy" Ward Alderson, and her brother-in-law, Fred Alderson.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Geraldene "Gerry" Trivett Ward; her sister, Robin Ward Miller (Curt); nephews, Jason Greene (Casie), Tucker Isaacs, Carson Isaacs, and Ryan Miller; nieces, Lea Miller Haywood (Noah), and Kaylee Miller; great-nephews, Taylor Williams (Ashley), Dustin Knighten (Kinsley), Cory Williams (Sydney), and Zachary Laird (Jasmine); great-great-nephews, Brayden Knighten and Zander Knighten; great-great-nieces, Rylie Williams, Kylie Williams, Scarlett Knighten, and Myla Williams; extended family members; and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love and friendship.

A celebration of Terry's life will be held Monday, June 22nd, at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home in Boone, North Carolina. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. Immediately following the service, Terry will be laid to rest at Mount Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Valle Crucis United Methodist Church Flower Fund or the Watauga County Humane Society.

Though Terry will be deeply missed, her legacy of kindness, love, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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