Barbara Harward

Barbara Matthews Harward, 79, passed away at home on March 29, 2021. She was born on April 10, 1941 to John Glenn Hedrick, Sr. and Ella Mae Hedrick in Forsyth County.  In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Ronald Lee Matthews, Sr., and by her second husband, Charles Alexander Harward. Surviving are her brother: John Hedrick, Jr. (Shirley); children: Lee Matthews (Lesa), Steve Matthews (Catherine), and April Peters (Scott); grandchildren: Krystina Matthews, Hunter Matthews, Nathaniel Matthews, Nicholas Matthews, Jason Peters (Emily), Alec Peters (Lauren), Bailey Peters, Andrew Peters, and Alyssa Peters and nieces, nephews, and three great grandchildren.

Barbara was born to be a caregiver. As a nurse she worked at the Fabergé plant in Raeford, NC, Currituck County Schools, and Wake Forest University Student Health Service. She also served on the Nurture Committee at St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church (STUMC).

Barbara’s hobbies included gardening, cooking, reading, and traveling. She reaped from a huge garden each summer, drove the tractor, and once canned green beans until midnight due to a wonderful bumper crop! Barbara watched many cooking shows and was most famous for her incredible chicken pie. She was a member of the STUMC Book Club and Bible Study and always had several books going at one time. Some of her favorite trips were an Alaskan cruise and a trip to the Grand Canyon.

Barbara was a collector of butterflies and peacocks. Butterflies are a Chrismon symbol of eternal life. Likewise, early Christians saw the peacock as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection. These collections were a reminder to her that we will all see each other again. How comforting those collections are to her family now! In addition, her family takes great comfort in the outpouring of love and support from Barbara’s friends. These acts of compassion sustained Barbara during her battle with cancer.

A private funeral service will be held with Pastor Nikki Raye Rice officiating. Interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Greensboro Urban Ministry, 305 West Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC, 27406.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.