Mamie Ezekiel Ward COLUMBIA Mamie Ezekiel Ward, 97, of Columbia died Saturday, November 12, 2016. Born September 4, 1919 in Swansea, she was a daughter of the late Fletcher and Daisy Rucker Ezekiel. Mamie was a caregiver at heart, and she served the patients of Baptist Medical Center's orthopedic floor for over 20 years as a nurses' aide. After her retirement in 1980, she enjoyed spending time with her family, crochet and quilting, and listening to music. Mamie was the oldest living member of New Heights Church, formerly Colonial Heights Baptist Church, where she served for many years as a Sunday School teacher in the Children's Ministry. She was loved by many, near and far. Survivors include her sons, Gene Ray Ward (Rachel), and Glen Bruce Ward (Georgia); grandchildren, Heather Kelly (Kent), Chris Ward (Brooks), Valerie Ward, Michael Ward, Angela Ward, and Emily Young; five great-grandchildren; sister, Bobbie Laird; sister-in-law, Lucille Ezekiel; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and faithful animal companion, Gracie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Otto Grove Ward; daughter, Carolyn Wolfe; sister, Eula Mae Adams; and brothers, Burley Ezekiel, and J.C. Ezekiel. The funeral for Mrs. Ward will be held at 1 PM, Wednesday, November 16th, at New Heights Church, 5501 Broad River Road, Columbia, with The Rev. Michael Townsend and Chaplain Chuck Byrd officiating. The family will greet friends at the church, prior to the service, beginning at noon. A committal service will be held at 2:30 PM at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, 210 Andrew Chapel Road, Swansea. The family extends special thanks to the staff of Amedisys Hospice, and Mrs. Ward's caregiver, Ms. Keisha Corley, for their loving, compassionate care and support. Memorials may be made to Andrew Chapel UMC, Cemetery Fund, Rte. 1, Box 175, Swansea, SC 29160. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.
Published in The State on Nov. 15, 2016