Beloved mother, sister, wife, teacher and dear friend Catherine “Cathie” Walls Ward, 55, of Southern Pines, passed away Sunday, July 15, 2012, after a long and brave struggle with cancer.
A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Country Club of North Carolina, in Pinehurst.
Cathie was born Feb. 1, 1957, in Los Angeles, daughter of the late Jeanette Walls. After graduation from Pinecrest High School in 1975, she received a bachelor’s degree in education from East Carolina University in 1979.
Cathie’s first teaching job was with the Hoke County School System from 1979 to 1985. She then taught in California briefly before beginning a 22-year career teaching in the Moore County school system. Cathie served as a fifth-grade teacher and an exceptional education teacher at Pinehurst Middle and Elementary schools for 20 years, and then taught for two years as an exceptional education teacher at West Pine Elementary School.
Cathie was honored as Moore County Teacher of the Year at Pinehurst Elementary School in 2001-2002, and again in 2010-2011. She retired from her distinguished teaching career in 2012.
Cathie received National Board Certification on July 1, 2006. She was a member of the North Carolina Association of Educators, and the National Association of Educators. She was an active supporter of and believer in the mission of the Cancer CARE Fund, and Relay for Life, and was a positive influence for generations of Moore County students and their families.
Cathie’s positive attitude and unwavering strength of character was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Cathie is survived by her sons, William Brower and Samuel Brower of Southern Pines; brother David Walls, of Fayetteville; sister Marian Walls, of Atlanta; stepchildren Henry Ward and Anna Ward, of Charleston, South Carolina; and husband, James Ward, of Southern Pines. Cathie is also survived by countless dear friends, former students and grateful parents who have been blessed by her presence.
In lieu of flowers or food gifts, please consider making donations to the Cancer CARE Fund, c/o Moore Regional Hospital Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneral home.com.
Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines is assisting the family.
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