September 30, 2025
The time for Commissioner Carolyn Ward is now. Let me share some reasons why I will be voting for her on November 4, to fill one of the two open seats in Farmville.
Carolyn is the President of the Farmville Housing Development Corporation, a non-profit organization which helps low and modest-income people find safe, affordable housing. She has served as a Director on the Board for years, but was helping the community deal with these kinds of needs long before then.
The list would be long if we could write down the people whom she has helped regroup after an eviction, get much-needed home repairs, a new roof, insulation, etc. From approximately 2009-2018 Carolyn educated modest-income homeowners about the federal government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), in order to help them refinance for more affordable loans. One of her biggest strengths is staying connected with local and state officials so that she can remain up-to-date on available grants and programs.
Before I met Carolyn, there were several municipal elections where the absentee ballots ended up having a major impact on the outcomes. More than once, I called David Davis, the Director of the Pitt County Board of Elections, to learn more about this. He informed me that a woman named Carolyn Ward was committed to making sure the elderly, the shut-ins, the sick, and the disabled in Farmville had an opportunity to vote. Each election cycle she would meet and talk with Davis to be updated on any new rules or changes for voting absentee. He assured me that Carolyn followed the rules to a “T.” One autumn, my friend and former Commissioner Charlotte Batton rode around with Carolyn to see how she worked day after day to help residents in fulfilling their Constitutional right to vote. Charlotte found it impressive.
Carolyn ministers faithfully in her church and has been a big part of Farmville United at the Cross. She is known for bringing meals to people, giving rides for those who need them, and being truly empathetic in the most difficult situations. I used to see her in my neighborhood giving a ride almost every morning to a home health aide who stayed with our former mayor. Connected to Farmville Benevolent Ministries and other such charitable organizations, Carolyn knows where to send people in crisis. She cooks each month for the Community Outreach Kitchen. Never have I known her to ask for anything for herself. She does not seek the limelight.
A family loses a child and Carolyn is there to help figure out how the funeral and burial will be funded. A couple needs marital counsel, and Carolyn takes the time to help them see what the Bible has to say about marriage and relationships.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says, “By their fruit you will know them.” Matthew 7:20
It is obvious whom Carolyn serves. She is reasonable, even-keeled, sincere, and kind. Carolyn follows through on what she says she will do and has a gift of organization. Carrie Baker joins me in affirming these positive traits in Carolyn. I could not think of two more wonderful women.
To me it seems like it is the best idea to have good representation on the Farmville Board of Commissioners. We should have elected representatives who live in various parts of town, and who can be our eyes and ears, noticing neighborhood concerns and improvements firsthand. Please vote for Carolyn Ward for Farmville Commissioner.
celiastone 