Thelma Ballard

Mrs. Thelma Brewer Ballard, 87, passed away Monday, May 9, 2016 at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, NC after a brief illness. She was born in Harmony, North Carolina on March 5, 1929, to the late Joseph S. Brewer and Virginia Ethel (Barnard) Brewer. She was a graduate of Scott's High School and worked for many years as a cosmetician at Eckerd Drug in Statesville where she won many awards and accolades for her creativity in the marketing of her products. She is survived by many who love her dearly; daughter Teresa Ballard Josey; one sister, Margie Brewer Feimster; one brother, Jimmy Brewer and dear friend, Max Hance. She has three surviving grandchildren; Brad Josey of Statesville, Lesley Ballard Hoch (Ben) of Cary, Jaime Ballard Ellis (Neal) of Durham and seven great-grandchildren; Kayla Josey Boling (Shane), Jacob Josey, Emma Ellis, Anna Josey, Avery Hoch, Cate Ellis and Charlotte Hoch. Thelma was also blessed with four great-great grandchildren; Kimi, Hendrix, Lawrence and Lincoln Boling. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Don Ballard; son, Craig Ballard; granddaughter, Kim Josey; brothers, Joe Jr. and Glenn; and sisters Florence Plyler and Patsy Newland. She also had many nieces, nephews and friends that she counted as her closest family. Thelma enjoyed working outside with her flowers and traveling but her greatest joy was spending time with her friends and family. Though faced with great tragedy, the loss of her husband, a son and then a beloved granddaughter, she remained a source of quiet strength for many. She continued to have such an optimistic view of life that she was a true joy to know. She will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love her. She would tell all of us to spend time with those we love, make sure to rest and that she was "good, good, good". The family will accept visitors at 1:00pm on Friday, May 13 at Nicholson Funeral Home and a Celebration of Life memorial service will follow at 2:00pm in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.comies and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.