A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of marvin martin ward, former member of the general assembly.
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward was born on February 10, 1914, in Morrison, Virginia, to Charles T. Ward and Nora B. Martin Ward; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward graduated from East Bend High School in 1930 and received a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Science from Appalachian State Teachers College in 1934, and a master's degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1940; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward served as an educator for many years, teaching physics and mathematics; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward later became a school administrator, serving as an Assistant Principal at Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem and as Principal of Granville Elementary School in Winston-Salem; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward became Administrative Assistant Superintendent of the Winston-Salem City Schools in 1949 and Assistant Superintendent in 1955; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward was appointed the Superintendent of the Winston-Salem City Schools in 1962 and served as Superintendent of the consolidated Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System from 1963 to 1976; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward served his profession as a member of the American Association of School Administrators, North Carolina Division of Superintendents, Mid‑Urban Superintendents, and the National Education Association; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward served with honor and distinction as a member of the North Carolina Senate for eight terms between 1979 and 1995; and
Whereas, during his tenure in the General Assembly, Marvin Martin Ward served as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and sponsored legislation to improve the State's Basic Education Plan and Career Ladder Plan; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward was active in his community, serving as a member of the Winston-Salem Lions Club for more than 50 years and as the past President of the Ardmore Community Club; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his lifetime, including being inducted into Appalachian State University's Rhododendron Society, which was created to recognize alumni for outstanding professional accomplishments and contributions to education, in 1999, and having an elementary school in Forsyth County named in his honor in 2000; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward was a faithful member of the Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, where he served on the Board of Stewards, as a Sunday school teacher, and as a Sunday school superintendent; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward died on Monday, November 10, 2008, at the age of 94; and
Whereas, Marvin Martin Ward is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary June Darden Ward; his daughter, Elizabeth "Betty" Darden Cone; his son, Marvin Thomas; grandsons, Benjamin Cone III and Samuel Martin Cone; a great-granddaughter, Darden Elizabeth Cone; and a great-grandson, William Wortham Cone; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Marvin Martin Ward and expresses the appreciation of this State and its citizens for the service he rendered.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its sympathy to the family of Marvin Martin Ward for the loss of a distinguished family member.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Marvin Martin Ward.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.