Mrs. Marie Louise Byrd Ward, age 98, of Mt. Airy, passed away Monday, February 19, 2018, at Ridgecrest Retirement. Mrs. Ward was born in Knox County, TN, on November 26, 1919, to Samuel and Nora Shell Byrd. She was the Corporate Vice President and Secretary of The White Stores in Knoxville, TN and was a member of Central United Methodist Church. Surviving is a nephew, Tom Byrd, Jr.; nieces, Jane Fussell and husband, Bud; and Linda Hines and husband, Doug; several great nieces and great nephews; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Byrd; and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ward was preceded in death by her husband, William (Cleo) Ward; a sister, Emma B. Harwell; and a brother, Tom Byrd, Sr. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at Oakdale Cemetery by Rev. Doug Hines. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Mount Airy, NC 27030. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Ridgecrest for the exceptional care given to Mrs. Ward