Virginia Dare (Harmon) Ward

Mrs. Virginia “Dare” Ward, 78, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation surrounded by her loving family.

Dare was born April 10, 1947, in Banner Elk, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Adie and Glady Harmon.

Dare was a devoted wife and the foundation of a family built on love. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a fierce and unconditional love that knew no limits. Being their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was her greatest pride and greatest blessing.

She had an infectious kindness and a servant’s heart, always putting others before herself. Dare spent many of her days reading her Bible and enjoying her favorite shows on television. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she carried a quiet strength and gentle peace that touched everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Allen Ward; her son, Jimmy Allen Ward Jr.; and her brothers, Grady Harmon, Ernest Harmon, Benny Harmon, Houston Harmon, and Marshall Harmon.

She is survived by her siblings, Sue Ward, Linda Kelly, and Lee Harmon and wife Betty.

Her children, Ricky Ward and his wife Heather, Mae Pope and her husband Junior Pope, and Adam Ward and his wife Ida.

Her grandchildren, Jessica Marsh and her husband Caleb, Tiffany Luna and her husband Nick, Hank Pope and his wife Kelsey, Vanessa Greer and her fiancé Cory Tremain, Justin Pope and his fiancé Miranda Hundley, Alexus Stevens and her husband Andrew, Nathaniel Bowman and his wife Sara, Sabrina Ward, Jordan Dula, and Brittney Dula.

She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Her love and gentle spirit leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family that will continue to live on through the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be Friday, March 20, 2026 at Sandy Flat Baptist Church from 12:30-2:00 PM. Funeral at 2:00 PM with burial following at the Matney Liberty Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ward family.

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