MOUNT AIRY—Mrs. Mary Eloise McKnight “Sissy” Ward age 83 of 420 Pinecrest Drive, Mount Airy, N.C. widow of Mr. Velpo Dudley Ward, Sr. passed away Sunday morning, March 15, 2009 at Central Continuing Care. She was born August 6, 1925 in Surry County, NC to the late Otis W. and Lucy J. Nichols McKnight, Sr.. She was retired from Sears Roebuck after 35 years of service and was a member of Rockford Street United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lynn H. Ward, Advance, NC, two grandchildren and spouses, Molly W. and Daniel Ward Russell, Jon H. and Kristi W. Ward, all of Raleigh, four great grandchildren, Elizabeth Tatum Ward, Lane Garrett Ward, Jon Walker Ward and Jane Bailey Ward all of Raleigh. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Ward was preceded in death by a son Velpo Dudley Ward, Jr., a grandson, Frank D. Ward and a brother, Otis W. “Johnny” McKnight, Jr. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at Moody Funeral Home Chapel of Mt. Airy conducted by Rev. Julie Roberts and Rev. Will Randolph. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at Moody Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Rockford Street United Methodist Church, 520 Rockford Street, Mt. Airy, NC 27030. Online condolences may be made to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.