Mrs. Colvard was born Aug. 4, 1909 in Oliver Springs, Tenn., to Robert Hamilton and Nola Elizabeth Diggs Love. At age 4, after her mother’s death, she moved to West Jefferson to be raised by her aunt, Rena Diggs Doggett (affectionately called “Mama Rena”). She was a member of West Jefferson United Methodist Church.
She was married to Rufus W. Colvard, II in 1930. He surprised her in 1948 by announcing he was going to turn their home into a hotel and she was going to run it. The Hotel Colvard (later named the Colvard Manor) opened in 1950 and was well known for its hospitality and great food. It was the location of many receptions and meetings over the years. When her first grandchild was born, Dr. Dean Jones, Sr., renamed Mrs. Colvard “Grannie”, a name she carried proudly the rest of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus Winfield Colvard, II; her parents; her son, William Edgar Colvard, II; siblings, Hazel Dean King, Mary Belle Vannoy, Robert Love, John Love and Alford Love.
She is survived by five grandchildren, Rena E. Colvard of Charlotte, Rufus W. Colvard, III of North Wilkesboro, Jean Colvard Lampo and husband, Nick, of Charlotte, Carol Colvard Hostetter and husband, Stan, of Moravian Falls, John C. Colvard of Wilkesboro; four great-grandchildren, Sally, Britt, Hugh and Vance Hostetter, all of Moravian Falls.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, at West Jefferson United Methodist Church with Dr. Peter Jon Taylor officiating. Burial followed at 3:30 p.m. in Mountlawn Memorial Park in North Wilkesboro. The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday at the church fellowship hall prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Jefferson United Methodist Church, PO Box 826, West Jefferson, NC 28694.
On line condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.
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