Jessie W. Ballew

Jessie Leura Ward Ballew, of Winston-Salem, beloved wife of James P. (Jimmy) Ballew, and mother of Laura Ballew Strupe and James Phillip Ballew II, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at Forsyth Medical Center. She was born May 11, 1934 in Rush Branch in Watauga County, the fourth of the six children of Dewey and Anita Ward. Mrs. Ballew was educated at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, where she met Jimmy. They were married on Dec. 22, 1956 and moved to Winston-Salem. Her early career was as a school teacher. She then joined Independent Living Services, teaching the blind. Many of her friends are in the Business Enterprise Program under Services for the Blind, where she was last employed. She was a member of Konnoak Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, James Phill, who died in 1985; and two brothers, Earl and Frank Ward. Surviving are her husband Jimmy; a daughter, Laura Strupe and son-in-law, Walter Strupe; two sisters, Marie Presnell (Arnold), Carolyn McGuire; a brother, Hillard Ward (Linda); several nieces and nephews; and a special great niece, Natalie, the light of her life. Also special to her was Scrapper, her large black and white cat. Although she had limited sight, she saw with her heart. She enjoyed keeping her yard blooming with unusual flowers and shrubbery. The Ballew's Christmas decorations were a joy not only to her as they brightened her home, but to passersby. As a thoughtful neighbor, she shared vegetables in summer and dishes she prepared in winter. She treasured her friends, welcoming them with her distinct laugh. In healthy, happy days, her home rang with the merriment of friends, many of them talented, who joined Jimmy in providing music for the gatherings. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with the Rev. John Bishop, pastor of Konnoak Baptist Church, and Dr. Ray Hamilton, pastor emeritus officiating. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Ward Mountain Cemetery in Sugar Grove. The family will receive friends Saturday at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Jessie and Laura enjoyed volunteering for the Feral Cat Assistance Program and donations may be made to this organization in Jessie's memory

Memorials:
Feral Cat Assistance Program , P.O. Box 29112, Greensboro, NC 27429

Cemetery:
Ward's Mountain Cemetery

Visitation:
10:00am - 11:00am on June 27, 2009 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel

Service:
Service at 11:00am on June 27, 2009 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel