News Summary
Caroline McKellar Brunson Ward, a distinguished educator and active community member, passed away at the age of 101. Known for her dedication to education and community service, Ward left a lasting legacy through her involvement in various organizations and her commitment to nurturing future generations. Celebrated for her academic achievements and role in civic life, her impact was felt far beyond her years, as she inspired many through her service and leadership.
Chapel Hill, NC – Caroline McKellar Brunson Ward, a cherished community leader and educator, passed away on September 9, 2025, at the age of 101. She died peacefully at the DuBose Center at The Cedars in Chapel Hill, where she had been residing.
Born on March 2, 1924, in Florence, South Carolina, Ward was known for her lifelong commitment to education and her involvement in various community organizations. She was the daughter of Robert Cummings Brunson and Mary Wallace Brunson. Throughout her long life, she served her community and pursued educational excellence, making a lasting impact on those around her.
Ward was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Ira Albert Ward. She also lost her sisters, Elizabeth Ashby Brunson Berry and Roberta Cummings Brunson Santos, along with her daughter-in-law, Robin Burnette Ward. She is survived by her sons, Robert Brunson Ward, along with his wife Ann, who resides in Chapel Hill, and Albert Ashby Ward from Greensboro. Her legacy continues through her three grandchildren, Katie Ward Dickie, Jonathan Ira Ward, and Michael Albert Ward, all residing in Greensboro, NC, as well as by her two great-granddaughters, Riya Faith Ward and Sutton Caroline Boykin Ward. Additionally, she is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Caroline Ward’s educational journey began at Florence High School, where she excelled academically and was recognized as a Senior Marshall and by the National Honor Society, acquiring the DAR Good Citizen Award. She went on to earn her degree from Winthrop College in South Carolina. There, she held significant leadership positions, including President of Senior Hall, and was included in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. She also received the Mary Mildren Sullivan Award for her outstanding achievements during her time at Winthrop. Later, she completed her studies at NC State University under a Pratt Whitney Fellowship.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Ward was actively involved in numerous civic organizations, including the Davie Poplar Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, and the Huguenot Society of South Carolina. Her dedication to community service was also evident in her lengthy membership at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, where she held various committees and served as a leader of the United Methodist Women. More recently, she attended University United Methodist Church and participated in the Sunday Church at The Cedars.
Memorial Services
A graveside service to honor Caroline Ward’s life will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery on September 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life during a gathering at The Cedars Club House in Chapel Hill on November 1, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Cedar Education Program at 100 Cedar Clubhouse Circle, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. Caroline McKellar Brunson Ward will be remembered fondly for her contributions to education and her unwavering dedication to her community, having touched countless lives over her remarkable 101 years.
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Additional Resources
- Walkers Funeral Service: Caroline Ward
- Legacy: Winona Ward Obituary
- Charlotte Magazine: Trey and Caroline Winslett
- Dignity Memorial: Margaret Twomey
- Walkers Funeral Service: Ann Kennedy
- Wikipedia: Caroline Ward
- Google Search: Caroline Ward Obituaries
- Google Scholar: Caroline Ward
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Caroline Ward
- Google News: Caroline Ward
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
