Doris Obelle Ballard

Miss Doris Obelle Ballard was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on April 3, 1963. Although she was the first born child to the late Nancy Hunter Ikard Ballard and the late Joe Louis Ballard, Sr., Doris was blessed to be the 10th sibling in a family of 13 children. Doris was also unique as she is a twin to Boyce Odell Ballard. Our Grandmother, Mrs. Obelle Jackson Hunter was upset because no one ever named their children “Obelle,” so again Doris got the distinction of receiving Grandma’s first name as her middle name. Doris departed this life on Friday, February 3, 2017, at 3:40 PM at Carolinas Medical Center – Main, after being struck and then run over by a vehicle. She is now back with her parents, being spoile again. Since she was the baby girl of the family, she played that role very well, never letting us forget that she was the “BABY.” She was always saying “I am the baby! Mama told ya’ll to take care of me!” Doris received her education in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. She also had recently completed some classes at the Salvation Army Women and Children’s Shelter on Spratt Street for which she received several certificates. She also met and made many friends at the Center. She was very proud of these accomplishments. Although Doris never married or had any children, she was engaged at the time of her passing. Preceding her in death besides her parents are three brothers: Norman Hunter, Wayne Patterson and Timothy Ballard (who passed away November 13, 2016). Two nieces: Harriet Denise Roseboro and Helen Marie Ikard-Jackson. Nephews: Marchello and Tony Maurice Ikard. Those of us left behind to mourn her passing and cherish her memories are: Her fiancé, Paul Smith; Big Sisters: Gwendolyn Fowler (Willie), Nellie Wright-Jones (George); Pamela McNeely; Shelia Ikard Simpson (Lawrence) all of Charlotte, NC; C. Robin Patterson Mauney (Michael);and Patricia Ikard Love of Gastonia, NC. Half-sister, Josephine Ballard Miller of Statesville, NC. Brothers: J.C. Ikard, Jr. and Joe Louis Ballard, Jr. of Charlotte, NC and her twin brother, Boyce Odell Ballard of Asheville, NC. Aunts: Mary E. Mayfield of Statesville, NC and Margaret E. Williams of Trenton, New Jersey. Two uncles: John E. Ballard of Zebulon, NC and J. Q. Norman of Statesville, NC. She will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, one special cousin – Carlton Williams of Florida.

Doris Obelle Ballard

April 3, 1963 - February 3, 2017