Verna Bright Gilliam Ward

May 23, 1932 - June 16, 2022

05/23/1932 - 06/16/2022

Past Services

Cemetery
Monday June 20, 2022

Visitation
Monday June 20, 2022
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Forest Lawn Funeral Home
538 Tracy Grove Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-692-9188 | Directions
Service
Monday June 20, 2022
11:00 am
Forest Lawn Funeral Home
538 Tracy Grove Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-692-9188 | Directions

Verna Bright Gilliam Ward, 90, of Inman, SC passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2022.

Verna was born in Henderson County, NC on Monday, May 23, 1932, to the late Charles Pinkney Bright and Leona Jones.  Verna is also preceded in death by her husbands, Charles Gilliam and Elmer “Babe” Ward; siblings, Ida Hill, Lucille Jones, Daisy Bright, Frank Bright, Joe Bright, Herman Bright, Velma Bell; and her precious grandson, Justin Stepp.

Verna had a passion for teaching piano and taught for over twenty years.  She was also a member of Saluda First Baptist Church in Saluda, NC.  Her church was her life!

Verna is survived by her daughter, Linda Gilliam Patterson of Inman, SC; grandchildren, Ryan A. Stepp (Stacie) and Heather Stepp Allen; great-grandchildren, Ryan Jr. (Megan), Kendall, Gabriel, Isaac, Shelby, Grace, Kayden, and Killian; great-great-granddaughter, Isabella, her morning sunshine; and many nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

Friends will be received at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Hendersonville, NC on Monday, June 20, 2022 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 am.  Rev. Tony Reese and Rev. Roger Bright are officiating.  The interment will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Agape Care Hospice of South Carolina or any domestic violence agency.

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June Frady
1 year ago

She was a very special person. My deepest condolences to the family.

jay godfrey
1 year ago

To the family, I am deeply saddened by the grief you are feeling.
Knowing of God’s love for you, continue to look to him when “he will wipe out all tears from our eyes, death, pain, and suffering will be no more. ” – Revelation 21:3,4
He says death is an ” enemy that will be brought to nothing ” – 1 Corinthians 15:26
How comforting to know that this will be a thing of the past and through Christ Jesus a resurrection for our loved ones.

love,
jrfdog@gmail.com

wayne Joann Pace
1 year ago

Linda and family so sorry for your loss but it is Heavens gain!what a sweet and wonderful person she was We will always remember the maranatha years!What a meeting in the air We were out of town sorry couldnt attend the service God bless, Joann Wayne pace

Dot &Ted Beddingfield
1 year ago

Linda and family,
We have precious memories of our Maranatha family and always will. Praying for you during this difficult time.

Judy Gibbs
1 year ago

So sorry to hear about Verna. I will always remember her as my special friend in choir at Marantha. I am sorry that I am out of town & will not be able to attend the service but you all are remembered in my prayers. Verna was a beautiful, special lady.

Kevin Bright
1 year ago

I always remember Verna for her love for music and her mother Ma Bright. Sorry she had to leave this life. Kevin

Mary C. Arrowood
1 year ago

Linda and family,
My heart hurts for you all during this time. I never met Mamaw Verna but I have learned a lot about her. I know how awesome she played the piano and how she loved the Lord. She was a very vibrant youthful lady for her age and loved her family. Ms Verna lived a long full life. Hold dearly all of your precious memories. I know she will be missed.

Royal & Becky Southerland
1 year ago

So sorry Linda in the passing of your Mother! Verna will be dearly missed by all who was touched by her kindness! Pray God will give you peace and comfort your hearts knowing she’s with the Lord! She loved God and she would let you know! We both enjoyed working with your parents at Oak Grove Shell ! That’s where we met you Linda! We will keep you all in our prayers! Love always your friends Royal and Becky ❤️❤️

Aline &Wayne Buckner
1 year ago

So deeply sorry for your loss, she was a true Lady..sending Prayers to Linda and her loving family…

Mike Cheatham
1 year ago

Ma Verna was a Special Lady! A joy to be around, smiling, and laughing (mostly @ me). Young @❤️ and a great pianist. Loved a fish fry.
I Pray God’s Peace and Comfort for Ma Verna’s family! Amen