Emily Wiseman Ward

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 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, Christine Ward, Ashley Payne (Josh), Hailey Ward, Hannah Conover (Derek), Donna Silvers (Jeremy), Jason Reed, and Jeremy Reed; step-grandchildren, Amber Minton (Jason), Conetha Ramsey, 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, Coleton 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.