Joe Ward Sr.

Joe Howard Ward Sr., also known as "Spoke" Ward or "Big Joe", was born on February 2, 1931 in Pitt County. He died on Monday, August 1, 2011 in Lanham, Md. after a prolonged illness. He was the son of Adolphus Ward and Lillian Joyner Ward. He lived in and around the town of Farmville for most of his life. Mr. Ward attended H.B. Sugg School before moving to Wilson, where he graduated from Charles H. Darden High School. In 1955, he graduated from Elizabeth City Teachers College (now Elizabeth City State University). Shortly after graduation, Mr. Ward was called to service and joined the U.S. Navy where he served from 1955-1957, primarily upon the aircraft carrier, USS Valley Forge.
An entrepreneur at heart, Mr. Ward, operated DC Bargain Store and Moving and Storage Company in Wilson for over 22 years. During that time, he and his wife of 22 years, Luetta Cherry Ward, also operated Cherry's Inn –which was at one time -a hotel, restaurant, grocery store, furniture store, gas station, nightclub and used car lot- in Greene County. In 1968, he obtained his funeral director's license and begin working part-time with his uncle at J.R. Joyner and Son Mortuary in Farmville (later Joyner's Mortuary), a business founded by his grandfather in 1908. Mr. Ward took over the business after his uncle's death, expanded the establishment, and built a beautiful chapel. He served as owner and operator for over 25 years.
Throughout his life, Mr. Ward was active in a number of fraternal and civic organizations, including the Elks (IBPOEW) where he served as Exalted Ruler of Lodge #273 and as the 1st. Vice-President of the NC State Association of Elks. He was a Freemason and member of Livingston 102, Masonic Lodge in Farmville. Mr. Ward made multiple contributions to the community and churches of Pitt, Wilson and Greene counties.
He leaves to cherish his memory four children, Jimmie G. Smith and wife, Vivian, of Ayden, Hildred L. (Smith) Pearson of New Haven, Conn., Joe H. Ward Jr. of Durham, and Joyce Ward Clarke and husband, Tony, of Fort Washington, Md.; his special friend for several years, Dorothy Ross of Farmville; a special niece and nephew whom he raised as his children, Denise M. Cherry of Hilton Head, S.C. and Milton Gregory Cherry Sr. of Washington, D.C.; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; one niece and five nephews, who are the children of his late sister Emma M. Spruill; and a host of great nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
The Wake will take place tonight from 7-8 at Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church in Farmville. The funeral will be on Saturday at 1 p.m. Following the service, interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will gather in front of 3914 S. Main Street in Farmville.
Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Barnes Funeral Home of Wilson.