Beulah Ballard

Beulah G. Ballard, her life work finished and approved by both God and man, closed her eyes and relaxed in eternal sleep on Wednesday evening September 11, 2019 in Gates, North Carolina.

Beulah G. Ballard was born July 25, 1926, in Gates County, North Carolina in the community of Roduco. She was the daughter of the late Burden Reverend Gatling and Nora Riddick Gatling. She is the oldest of eight children.

She attended Ballard’s Grove Baptist Church School. At an early age she accepted Christ and joined Shepard’s Grove Baptist Church which has since become First Baptist Roduco.  She later moved to the “Scratch Hall” community and joined Ballard’s Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until her death. She was a dedicated member of the Senior Choir and was the church organist for many years.  She organized the Youth Choir with children from the community and her own children.

Beulah loved this quote, “Success Makes the Struggle Worthwhile.” 

Beulah drove the school bus for Gates County Public Schools for eighteen years missing only one full day.  She retired from Green Thumb Program as a receptionist with the local unit of the American Red Cross.

Beulah’s hobbies included going to garage sales, flea markets and fishing. She would fish often until her legs slowed and the Black Bear population grew in Gates County. Somehow fishing with the Black Bears took some fun away. Beulah was a kind, gentle and devoted lady of wit who enjoyed teasing everyone. Laughter was her medicine.

Beulah was preceded in death by her late husband of 58 years, Mills Ballard.

Her passing leaves a void for those whom she loved and cherished. She is survived by four daughters, Velma A. Andrews of Manchester, NJ;  Belvie E. Hilyard of Wilmington, DE; Dorcas A. Mason (Michael) of Durham, NC; Nora Ballard Ingram (James) of Greensboro, NC; six sons, Albert L. Ballard (Elaine) of Gates, NC; Otis J. Ballard (Gloria) of Gates, NC; Rufus Ballard of Corapeake, NC; Horace D. Ballard, Sr. (Connie) of Roseland, VA; Joe B. Ballard of Gates, NC; Quinton M. Ballard (Stacy) of Greensboro, NC; one sister Juanita (Neat) Gatling of Gates, NC; one sister in law Lucy Jane Moore of Norristown, PA; seventeen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and close friends.

A viewing and visitation will take place on Thursday September 19, 2019 from 4:00pm-7:00pm. A celebration of life will be held on Friday September 20,  2019 at Ballard’s Grove Baptist Church at 1:00pm.

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