Elmira Miller Ward, 98, of Edenton, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Born on August 11, 1927, Elmira was the wife of the late George A. Ward, Jr. and the daughter of Walter Levy Miller and Bailey Tynch Miller, both deceased. Elmira was a loving homemaker for her family and a faithful member of Ballard’s Bridge Baptist Church for more than 68 years.

Survivors include her daughter, Janice Ward Pratt and husband, Joe; son, Kenneth Scott Ward and wife, Lisa; daughter-in-law, Teresa Ward; granddaughter, Pamela Pratt “Pam” Leary and husband, Buck; great granddaughters, Ashlyn Kay Leary and Courtney Rae Leary; great grandson, Ethan Chad Jones; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Elmira was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Ray Ward; granddaughter, Stephanie Ward Jones; brothers, Elton Blain Miller and Melvin Ray Miller; and sister, Bertha Miller White.

Funeral services celebrating Elmira’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Ballard’s Bridge Baptist Church, Tyner, NC with Pastor Josh Engen and Pastor Buck Leary officiating. Interment will follow at Beaver Hill Cemetery, Edenton, NC. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the church on Thursday prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Walking Group of Ballard’s Bridge Baptist Church.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the Ward family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com