Geneva Perry

Geneva Lee Harris Perry Ward, 94, of Kitty Hawk, passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her family after a brief illness on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. She was born on December 13, 1930 in Kitty Hawk village to the late Aubrey Alonzo Harris and Edna Baum Harris. She attended Kitty Hawk Elementary School and graduated from Elizabeth City High School in 1949. She then attended Chowan College.

Geneva had a long career in various secretarial positions including secretary for Attorney Martin Kellogg, secretary for Aldridge, Seawell, and Khoury for 20+ years, then was Dare County Court Stenographer. She finished her career as Branch Manager for the Title Company of North Carolina, which she retired from in 2009.

In addition to her professional career, Geneva was active in many political and community service organizations including Dare County Democratic Women serving as chairwoman, Dare County Democratic Party, Dare County and NC Legal Secretaries, Dare County Department of Social Services chairwoman, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, North Banks Rotary Club, College of the Albemarle board, and honorably held the title Emeritus Director for Outer Banks Community Foundation. Additionally, during the 1990's, Geneva was elected to a seat on the Dare County Board of Commissioners. She was one of the first women on the board to serve and later served as chairwoman making notable contributions to the development of Outer Banks Hospital, the new Dare County Schools buildings, College of the Albemarle-Dare Campus to name a few. Geneva loved Dare County and was an advocate for the betterment for all its citizens.

Geneva loved her hometown of Kitty Hawk, its history, and was a dedicated member of the First Flight Society, including serving as president and remaining a lifetime member. She was a part of the First Flight Centennial board leading up to the 100 years of flight celebration in 2003, in addition to all the annual December 17th celebrations.

Above all other interests, Geneva loved family and time together more than anything. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend. Along with her parents, Geneva was predeceased by her brothers, Bill Harris and Roy Harris, sister-in-law Fran Harris, and special cousin Lorna Clark.

Geneva is survived by her loving husband, Alvah H. Ward Jr., her son, Michael Harrell (DeDe), daughter Cathy H. Elwang, grandchildren Randi Skaggs (Jerry), Tricia Tawes (David), Joshua Elwang (Anne), Chelsea Schoonmaker (Ray), Zachary Gaskins, and Victoria Jeffery (Tyler), Great grandchildren Julia, Tucker, Anna Lynn (Dylon), Macy, Emery, Jaxson, Ava, Lyla, and Kasey, Great-great grandchildren Becca, Harper, and Matthew. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Matilda Zuhars, Melanie Micheal (Greg), Judith Fearing (Craig), Clay Harris (Lisa), and Allison Hope along with their children and many other beloved extended family members and friends.

A special thank you to caregivers, Jamie Norman and Kia Tatem, who provided loving care to Geneva. Also thank you to Albemarle Hospice for their attentive care during Geneva's last days.

Geneva spent her last decade looking over the beautiful Roanoke Sound on Roanoke Island with her husband by her side, and her roots always remained in that Kitty Hawk dirt that never left her feet.

The family invites you to celebrate Geneva's life with us. There will be a viewing at Twiford's Funeral Home- Manteo on Tuesday, September 23 from 7-8 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24 at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church to be officiated by Reverend Colin Snyder. Friends are invited to visit in the fellowship hall after the service. There will be a private burial service at Austin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The First Flight Society, PO Box 1903, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.