Nola Blanche Ward Church, of Elizabethton, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2015, after an extended illness. She was born in Johnson County but lived most of her life in Elizabethton.
She was the daughter of the late Nathan D. and Sarah Tester Ward. Also preceding her in death were her siblings and their spouses, Lee Ward, June and Rod Swift, Hazel and Toy Vaught, Dixie and Bert Norris, Sarah and Giles Long, Jack Scott and Charlotte Ward. She was also preceded in death by nephews, Jeff McKinney, Mike McKinney and Mack Swift, and her brother-in-law, Floyd Church.
Left to cherish her memory and to the promise of seeing her again are her daughter and best friend, Karen Church Elliott, and son-in-law, Gary Elliott, who cared so much for her. She is also survived by her wonderful grandchildren and their families, Jason and Michele Elliott and their little girl Sara, and Suzanne and Christopher Runion and their little baby boy Kyree. She is also survived by her younger sister, Goldia Scott, they had a bond that couldn’t be broken; two brothers, Charlie Hill Ward of Mountain City and Conrad Ward of Surfside Beach; and her brother-in-law, George Church of Hampton. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
Nola graduated from Johnson County High School and moved to Elizabethton where she met the love of her life, James Clifford Church. He passed away in 1997. They married young and lived happily until his death. Nola worked at Raytheon in Bristol for 10 years and then attended business school, where she obtained a degree as a medical secretary. She worked at Carter County Memorial Hospital/Sycamore Shoals Hospital for 27 years. She enjoyed her work there and had many friends, both staff and patients.
Nola was an active member of East Side Baptist Church until illness prevented her attendance. She loved her church family so much.
She was also proud of her family and even in her illness kept family pictures with her and prayed faithfully for her family. She was looking forward to seeing her parents, husband, sisters and brothers, but most of all she longed to see Jesus.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of the 400 hall at Ivy Hall, who lovingly cared for Nola during the last months of her life.
A memorial service to honor her life will be held at Memorial Funeral Chapel at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, officiated by Pastor Jeremy Rhoten. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., prior to the service. The graveside service will be held at Happy Valley Memorial Park at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 18. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. If you wish to go to the cemetery please meet at 10:20 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to East Side Baptist Church, 1509 Siam Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643, General Fund, in care of Pastor Jeremy Rhoton. Condolences may be sent to the family on our website: www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Church family.