Mrs. Karen Sue Hicklin Ward, 65, of Valdese, passed away on Monday February 20, 2023 at Wendover House, Hospice of Cleveland County.
Karen was born on September 21, 1957 in Knox County, Tennessee to Bille Sue Kinlaw Hicklin and the late Robert L. Hicklin. She was retired from Valdese General Hospital, where she worked in housekeeping for many years.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Dean Ward.
Survivors include her mother, Billie Hicklin of Kings Mountain, two sons, Dwayne Ward and wife Tanya of Valdese, and Daryl Ward and wife Heather of Marion, and a brother Clifton Lane Hicklin and wife Barbara Jean of Blacksburg, SC. Also surviving are her grandchildren; D.J. Ward and wife Stacy, Wesley Ward, Ivey Dean Ward, Nikalus Ward, and Karalynn Shea Ward, and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Ward family.
We will miss seeing Karen. She always had a smile and a laugh ready. Such a bright shining light. So many good memories over the years. 💔
Dwayne , Daryl and Billie we are so sorry to hear about Karen. She loved you guys dearly. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort in the coming days. 💕
Billie, Cliff and all of Karen’s family. I am so sorry to hear about Karen. I’m thinking of you and sending prayers.
Duane and family, Daryl and family, Billie, Cliff and Barb and family. To all of you, sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with Karen whenever we got the chance. Sending our prayers and know that we are thinking of you.
Billie I am so sorry Karen was a beautiful soul T will be praying by for you and her family love 💕 love