Cynthia Hunt Ward

Cynthia Hunt Fertig Ward completed her sojourn here on earth on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Alamance Regional Medical Center, surrounded by devoted family and friends. With confident faith, as penned in an old song "The Old Rugged Cross", she was assured of an eternal appointment with her Creator and Savior, Christ the Lord.

Cynthia was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1931. She was the widow of Clyde Maxwell "Max" Ward and the daughter of George Joseph Fertig, Rosamond Hunt Mills Fertig, Major Gen. Elbert DeCoursey, and Esther Fertig DeCoursey, who preceded her in death.

Reflections about her life reveal a narrative of a woman of purpose. Shaped by the loving influence of dedicated parents, she exhibited an early tenacity for decision making. Her collegiate studies were at the Colleges of Gulf Park, Converse, and Hollins. Articulate in speech and communication, Cynthia would persuade, entertain, and instruct others throughout her life journey.

The covenant of marriage to Clyde Maxwell (Max) Ward resulted in two significant events. Giving birth and parenting four sons, and being a founding partner to Max Ward – Delmar Studios Inc., now Lifetouch, an industry leading Photography Corporation.

Those people intrinsic to her were always affected by her altruism that they could excel and succeed in their life endeavors. Listening, advising, and encouraging others were pillars of her personality. Her daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild were all received with affirmation and devotion.

Honoring the past, but living in the present was a noteworthy trait of her persona. Difficult days were experienced with the poignant loss of an infant daughter, two adult sons, and her husband of nearly 60 years, to dementia disease. These times shaped her heart of faith and intuitive compassion for others who would mourn.

Motivated to serve, she influenced many with her gifts of interpersonal skills and genial charity. Volunteer work at Alamance Memorial Hospital and Alamance Regional Medical Center, was a weekly commitment for many years. Extended rapport with the people of two local institutions, Elon University and Twin Lakes Community, yielded a philanthropic legacy for the Ward Family name.

Cynthia reveled in the comradeship of Elon's athletic programs, particularly football, basketball, and golf events. Her petite stature was a common sight among the crowded stands, and she was always ready to discuss the latest stats. As a resident of Twin Lakes Community, a donation honoring their four sons provided the Ward's Landing Wing of the TLC Memory Care Facility. She was a member of the TLC Society of Twin Lakes Community.

Cynthia was a member of First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Burlington, NC. She was also a member of the Phoenix Club Impact Circle, Order of the Oak, Elon Society, and the TLC Society of Twin Lakes Community.

She is survived by two sons, Clyde Patrick "Pat" Ward and wife Margaret of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and William Hunt Ward and wife Julia of Burlington, NC; five grandchildren, Rachel W. Bailey and husband Sam of Bay Minette, AL, Bethany W. Ford and husband Matt of Daphne, AL, Sean Patrick Ward and wife Rosin of Mebane, NC, Cynthia Nicole Ward of New York City, NY, and William Hunt Ward, Jr. of Durham, NC; nine great grandchildren, Samantha Rayborn, Connor and Devyn Bailey, Max and Ellye Ford, Greyson and Patrick Ward, Jamie Letson, and Nadia Everly Ward; a great great grandchild, Karsyn Claire Rayborn; two nephews, Steve "Moose" Smith and Scott Ward Smith and wife Darlene; and a special daughter-in-law, Jane Yancey.

In addition to her husband and parents Cynthia was preceded in death by an infant daughter and her sons, George Maxwell "Mike" Ward and Donald DeCoursey Ward.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Rich & Thompson Chapel, 306 Glenwood Ave, Burlington, NC 27215, by Rev. Bryan Crotts and Pastor Scott Ward Smith.

The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington, 306 Glenwood Avenue, Burlington, NC 27215, on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to Twin Lakes Community c/o Memory Care, 3701 Wade Coble Drive, Burlington, NC 27215, Elon University c/o Phoenix Club Scholarships, Campus Box 2510, Elon, NC 27244, or Covenant Presbyterian Church, Building Fund, 2250 Saddle Club Road, Burlington, NC 27215,

In honoring the quintessence of her spirit, consider these tenets of her life.

Plan well; very well.

Discretion and humor make great partners.

Forgive.

Yield to God's calling.

Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com.