Nina Duncan Ward

Nina Marie Duncan Ward passed away in peace on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at home. In recent years she faced her battles with a smile and always kept her faith during the toughest times. Nina was preceded in death by her parents, Chester Herman and Maude Duncan; her brothers C.H. and Bob; her sister Mary Nell; and most recently her husband of 65 years, Larry Neill. She is survived by her sons David and Kevin (Kara).

Born in 1934 in Knoxville, TN, she moved to Winston-Salem, NC soon after and met her husband-to-be while in elementary school. The story goes that Nina gave Larry a note in 6th grade saying 'I like you do you like me,' with a stick of bubblegum attached, and the rest is history. Though time and distance separated them after their youthful acquaintance, they reconnected in the early 1950's and eventually married in 1956.

She lived a wonderful life devoted to her husband and sons. When her children were young, the phrase 'stay-at-home-mom' didn't exist, but she played that role throughout her life, especially when Larry was overseas. With Larry's career in the Marine Corps, the family was transferred every few years, but Mom was always the stable force that made each place home no matter where they ended up or how long they stayed, be it Winston-Salem, NC, Oceanside, CA, Hampton, VA, Quantico, VA, Charleston, SC or Parris Island, SC.

Nina loved her church and enjoyed singing for decades in the choir with her wonderful Alto voice, as well as playing the handbells during church services and at various events around the community, including the renowned Spoleto Festival. Larry fondly referred to them as the Ding-a-lings. She also played piano for the Lupo Class at John Wesley UMC and was very active in church activities.

A highlight of her time in various choirs was accompanying Roberta Flack in the early 1970's, at the newly-built Kennedy Center in Washington DC, a night we all remember and treasure.

Nina was a fantastic cook who always stuck with tradition on family occasions, making each member their favorite dishes year after year without fail. Her love for ACC basketball was well known, as she and Larry would always cheer on their favorite teams. She was once asked, “Where did your love for sports come from”, to which she responded, “I learned that if I wanted to spend quality time with a sports-loving husband and two sons, I’d better learn to love it!” They also loved watching sitcoms, especially 'All in the Family', 'Cheers', and 'Seinfeld'. In later years they joked about only watching 'Let's Make a Deal' and 'Wheel of Fortune' - with their beloved dog Gunny by their side everyday.

A Celebration of Nina's life will be held at a later date. The family asks that gifts be made in her honor to John Wesley United Methodist Church or any local animal shelter or humane society.

Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC., 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. (843) 766-1365.