EMMA LEE BALLARD RAYFIELD

Mrs. Emma Lee Ballard Rayfield, 91, died Monday, November 14, 2011, in Georgetown, SC. Memorial services will be 2:00PM Sunday, November 20, 2011 in First Baptist Church, 309 Lee Ave., Wadesboro, NC, with Dr. Robert Hunter officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service. Mrs. Rayfield was born in Anson County on April 12, 1920, a daughter of the late Raymond Lacy and Monte Lee Ballard. She was a retired registered nurse. After graduating from Anson Hospital School of Nursing, 'Miss Emma Lee' was the maternity nurse for many mothers. She worked for Dr. Sorrell and Dr. Carter, and later was the emergency room nurse and third shift supervisor for Anson County Hospital. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Wadesboro, NC. Following her retirement, she spent years volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program and the Anson Crisis Ministry. In addition, she served on the Anson County Historical Society and was featured in an Anson Record article titled 'Emma's Garden.' Emma Lee touched many lives and will be remembered by all for her charm, wit, and graceful ability to make everyone she encountered feel special. She is survived by two daughters, Marie Rayfield Byrd (Alan) of Pleasant Garden; Laura Rayfield Seely Tucker (Vann) of Georgetown, SC; three grandchildren, Allee Byrd Harrell (Jon-Charles) of Raleigh, Suzanna Alexander Byrd of Pleasant Garden, Matheson Grove Seely of Georgetown, SC; a great-granddaughter, Emmarie Elisabeth Harrell due in December; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Derrick Morris and Sara Faulkner. Emma Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Boyce Gardner Rayfield, and two beloved brothers, James and Ray Ballard. She taught her family, through word and deed, to live a life of service. As a final act of giving, she donated her body to the Bowman Gray School of Medicine. The family suggests memorials be made in lieu of flowers to: First Baptist Church, 309 Lee Ave., Wadesboro, NC 28170; Duncan United Methodist Church, 901 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC 29440; the Clark Grew Health for Homeless Project, c/o Christ Church, 120 East Edenton St., Raleigh, NC 27601; or to Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser St. Georgetown, SC 29440. The family wishes to thank special caregivers and friends, Edith White, Lisa Moore, Lynda Sellers and the Caregivers of Conway.