Committal
Emily Wiseman Ward, 89, of Morganton, NC, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Born in Burke County, NC on April 4, 1936, she was the daughter of the late William Dock Wiseman and Mary “Ruth” Daniels Wiseman.
Emily was a member of Laurel Haven Baptist Church. She enjoyed baking, cooking, and helping her neighbors. She served as a caregiver for her parents and husband, and she was instrumental in helping with her grandchildren. Emily was a humble and giving woman and was known as the “neighborhood mom.”
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Mary Ellen Stilley (Tommy) and Tracy Alan Ward (Christine); daughter-in-law, Revonda Ward; sisters, Annie Bowman and Mona Banner; foster brothers, Raymond Stamey and Vertis Lowman; grandchildren, Jessie Ward, Christina Ward, Ashley Payne (Josh), Hailey Ward, Hannah Conover (Derek), Donna Silvers (Jeremy), Jason Reed, and Jeremy Reed (Lauren); step-grandchildren, Amber Minton (Jason), Conetha Ramsey (Jason), and Vance Stilley; great-grandchildren, Dillon Johnson (Mikayla), Destiny Holman (Dustin), Luke Fisher, Ben Fisher (Charis), Jake Reed, Josie Reed, Emily Sheppard, and Gabriel Sheppard; step-great-grandchildren, Maddie Stilley, Garet Price, Logan Starnes, Kyler Ramsey, and Greyson Ramsey; great-great-grandchildren, Colten and Amelia Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to her parents, Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Ray McDonald Ward; son, Ray M. Ward, Jr.; brothers, Henry and Caroll Wiseman; sisters, Inez Sphuler and Vera Bodgan; an infant sister, Doria May Wiseman; foster sister, Frances Lingerfelt; foster brother, Horace Lowman; and granddaughter-in-law, Laura Leigh Reed.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, December 14, 2025 at First Apostolic Church and a celebration of Emily’s life will follow at 3 p.m. in the church.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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We all worked with Ms Emily at Broughton and became quick friends and did lots of things together. She was an awesome lady. Prayers for family 🙏🏽🙏🏽💜
My love and sympathy to Mary Ellen and all the family. One of my fondest memories as a child living up on Laurel Haven was being with Mary Ellen and her family and having Emily’s chocolate gravy with hot biscuits for breakfast. She was also such a wonderful surrogate mother to all of us children. Prayers and comfort to all.
My condolences to Emily's family and friends. I agree with Michael's comments, having also been a beneficiary of being one of the kids of the "neighborhood mom". Throughout my life when I have had occasion to think of the kindest, most humble, most Christian of people I have ever known, Emily has always come to my mind at the top of the list. And I rejoice in knowing that she, along with many of the saints, has now heard those coveted words..."[w]ell done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy lord..."
So sorry to hear about Aunt Emily. She was such a wonderful loving woman. I really thought the world of her. Your family is in my prayers God bless all of you.
Dearest Mary and Family, My heart and prayers go out to your sweet family. Your mother was a true southern bell just like you, and I know you and your children will miss her so much. You took such wonderful sweet care of your mother and everyone knows You 2 were joined at the hip. Nobody can replace her or the unconditional love she gave to you and her family. You were blessed with all the years God Loaned her to you, but he needs her more than you now, and now she dwells in the house of the Lord forever. Hallelujah!!!!! Much Love, Martha Lee, Ocean Isle Beach NC
Always loved being around Aunt Emily and Uncle Ray. Aunt Emily’s smile was contagious she was always so loving and welcoming. My heart felt prayers are with the entire family. Love you all ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.
I’ve known Emily since I was a small boy, and she was one the kindest, sweetest and caring people I’ve ever known. She had the most beautiful smile. Heaven has a new angel. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. May she rest in peace.
Tracy & Christine and family, We are so very sorry for your loss. We will be keeping your family is our prayers. Blessings, The Conovers
Thankful to have been one of the neighborhood children. Never entered Ray and Emilys house and felt unwelcome (day or night) . Always felt LOVED in her presence. The Kingdom of GOD has received a very special gift with her passing.