Mary Helen Ward Smith

Helen W. Smith, 91, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Morganton passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2016.

Born in Wilkes County, NC on December 23, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Clyde Ward and Blanche Lowe Ward. Helen was married to Sidney R. Smith for 46 years prior to his death in 2008. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She had an ever-cheerful personality and heart-warming smile and always put the needs of others above her own. Helen spent her working career with Knob Creek and Ethan Allen furniture companies. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Morganton and was a longtime volunteer at the church as well as at Grace Hospital.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by sister, Dottie Mathis, and brothers, Grady Ward and Bob Ward, all of North Wilkesboro.

Helen is survived by her daughter Maria Yatros and her husband, Gy, of Holmes Beach, FL; grandson Nicholas Yatros of Holmes Beach; sisters, Pat Ellis, Evelyn Houck, and Geraldine Love, all of North Wilkesboro, NC, and Lynda Jackson of Lewisville, NC; brothers, John Ward of North Wilkesboro and Don Ward of Pfafftown, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2016 in the parlor of First Baptist Church in Morganton.  The memorial service will follow in the church’s chapel with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Bo 459, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Tidewell Hospice, 3355 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.