Sunset Beach, NC

Mary Lou Simmons Sullivan Ward went to be with her Lord, Sunday, September 17, 2017, at the age of 83.  She passed peacefully in her home in Sunset Beach, NC, with her family by her.  Mary Lou was born on April 11, 1934, to the late Robert Priest and Frances (Fannie) Simmons in Ash, NC.  She married Larry Dillion Ward on January 15, 1965, and they enjoyed over fifty three years of marriage.  She loved to fish and garden.  She also enjoyed playing video games and her grandchildren loved that about her.  She played piano, guitar and accordion and sang beautifully.  For many years, Mary Lou was a Bible School teacher and she was passionate about the study of God’s word.  She was mom to four children, grandmother to eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, but numerous others called her “mom” or “grandma”.  Her greatest delight was to be surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Ward; sons: Bobby Sullivan of Calabash, and Danny Sullivan, wife Lynn, of Sunset Beach; daughter: Mary Ellen Ward, husband Glenn of Whiteville, NC; daughter: Marilyn Causey, husband Patrick, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband: Vander Sullivan; daughter: Juanita Ward; and grandson: Michael Inman; and great granddaughter: Vanessa Sullivan; sisters: Annie May Babson, Mortie Lee Baldwin and Cornelia (Tea) Britt.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 2 PM in the Lighthouse Mission Church, Calabash, NC.  Burial will follow in the Whispering Pines Cemetery, Calabash, NC.

Visitation will be held prior to the service in the church from 12 PM to 2 PM.

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home of Tabor City.

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