Sadie Carol Etheridge Ward, 87, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, passed away on November 24, 2025. Sadie Carol was born in Whitakers, NC to Claude Etheridge and Grizzelle Baldwin Etheridge.

Sadie Carol spent her childhood on the family farm alongside her older sisters and enjoyed visits from her favorite cousin, Betsy Butler of Colonial Heights, VA. She met Marvin Elwood Ward on a blind date in 1954. After graduating from Whitakers High School in 1956, she attended and graduated from Saint Mary's College in Raleigh, NC. She and Marvin were married on August 22, 1959 and moved to Rocky Mount, NC. Marvin preceded her in death earlier this year after 65 years of adventures. Traveling with family and friends was their passion and they created a lifetime of memories together. They were blessed with two children, Christine Ward Gwynn (John) of Charlottesville, VA and William Holt Ward (Amy) of Battleboro, NC. Sadie Carol enjoyed spending time with her two grandchildren, Zachary Holt Ward and Paige Kenlee Ward.

Sadie Carol was a beautiful person inside and out. She was outgoing with a joyous personality. After her children were of school age, she began her career path in banking as a teller. She soon transitioned into her passion for selling real estate and auctioning real estate. She loved playing cards, playing tennis and doing anything competitive. Her love for sports was so strong, she could be caught jumping in her chair during Tarheel basketball games. She enjoyed participating in bridge club, garden club and her women's investment club. Her fashion style was always in vogue and she enjoyed modeling for the local boutiques. Having a natural green thumb, Sadie Carol spent hours in her flower gardens. For many years, her yard was a show piece for beautiful tulips, climbing roses, zinnias and a backyard full of blooming azaleas in every color.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her long-time caregivers of 12 years. Evelyn, Karen, Trish and Beverly, no words can express our gratitude. Your care of Sadie Carol allowed her to live each day with dignity and grace. Thank you for making the good days even better for her and the bad days bearable for all of us. We are forever grateful.

Sadie Carol loved church and loved to sing hymns. She enjoyed attending services at All Saints Episcopal Church in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Thus, we will honor Sadie Carol's life on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM with a service at All Saints Episcopal

Church located at 700 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870. After the service, the family invites you to visit them in the Parrish House behind the church. Refreshments will be served. In honor of Sadie Carol's love for flowers, we welcome flowers at her service. Donations in her honor may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church as well.