WILMINGTON — Cherry Allen Ballard, a devoted wife, mom, Nana, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026. Cherry was born on August 22, 1951, in Raleigh, NC, to the late Margaret Perry Allen and Oral Gentry Allen, Jr.
She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, William “Bill” Howard Ballard, Jr., her daughter Amy Ballard Ford (Tris), her grandchildren Abby and Nolan Ford, her sisters Elaine Annis, June Hickman (Don), Melody Shaver, Dawn McCraney (Steve), and her brother Mark Allen, sisters-in-law Kay Arrowood (Harold) and Beth Ballard, brothers-in-law John (Diane), Mike (Jean) and Frank (Marget) Ballard, and many nieces and nephews who she adored.
Cherry joined the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF) in 1988, shaping her life’s work for the next 33 years. She served in many capacities, including Vice President of Donor Services. She was a sustaining force at NCCF and was beloved throughout the state for her caring demeanor, knowledge of people, and ability to foster a philanthropic spirit among donors from all walks of life. She was a generous teacher to her colleagues, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience in everything from the technical to the historical. She had an impeccable memory for the people and places that built the foundation.
She was lauded for her work with NCCF’s highest honor, the Lewis R. Holding Award for Philanthropic Services, and by the establishment of the Cherry A. Ballard Fellowship, which enables college students to explore careers in philanthropy.
Cherry was a woman of grace and beauty, not only in her outward appearance but also in her gentle light that shone from within. Her presence was a comfort to all who knew her, unless you were her pickleball opponent. Aside from being the best wife, mom, and sister, Cherry’s greatest joy was being her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Cherry A. Ballard Fellowship.
Please leave memories and condolences for Cherry’s family here.
