Heather Dawn

Ward

Heather Dawn Ward, 36, of Gates, NC passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Born on March 9, 1990, Heather was the daughter of the late Michael Keith Ward and Nancy Small Taylor, who survives. In addition to her father, Heather was preceded in death by her step-father, Bruce Speight Taylor; maternal grandmother, Vickie Small; and paternal grandfather, Arlen Smith.

Survivors include her mother, Nancy; son, Zayden Perrone; siblings, Hannah Ward, Heidi Ward, Hunter Ward, Ashlyn Pemberton, and Aspen Ward; maternal grandfather, Charles Small; paternal grandmother, Kay Smith; and nephews, Carson Langley and Oliver Denapoli.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, Gatesville, NC.

Funeral services celebrating Heather’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2026 at the Upper Room Assembly of God, 807 Main Street, Gatesville, NC with her uncles, Benny Small and Chuck Small officiating. Interment will follow at the Small Family Cemetery, Eure, NC.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the Ward family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com