Betty Lou Ward

Betty Lou Ward (née Cofield; March 12, 1936 – November 8, 2023) was an American politician. She was the longest serving commissioner on the Wake County Board of Commissioners, holding office from 1988 to 2016. Ward served as president of the National Association of Counties from 1998 to 1999 and served as chair of the association's Arts and Culture commission from 2000 to 2008.

Career Ward served as a Wake County commissioner for 28 years, from 1988 to 2016. She advocated for public education, the arts, and public parks during her time as commissioner. She went on to serve as the Association's chair of Arts and Culture from 2000 to 2008.

2008

2004

Death Ward died on November 8, 2023. Her funeral was held on December 6, 2023, at Edenton Street United Methodist Church.