Obituary of Pearl “Vicky” Ball

PEARLE ‘VICKY’ BALL, passed away in the early morning hours of December 18th after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Born Pearle Marye Miller on September 7, 1923, in Covington, Virginia, Vicky received her nickname in a malt shop get-together with high school girl friends. She moved to Norfolk in 1943 with her mother, Thelma, sister, Dreama, and brother, Bill. Shortly after WWII, she met and married the love of her life, native Norfolkian, Walter Samuel Ball. After Walter’s 20-year Navy career, the couple settled with their three children in a home they built in Estabrook in Norfolk. In 1973 they moved to Kill Devil Hills. Widowed by the untimely death of her beloved Walter in 1982, Vicky persevered in forging a strong, independent life in the home they had shared. She became the Senior Olympics mile-walk gold medal winner, volunteered at Hot Line, mastered bridge, and entertained family practically every weekend at her modest home. Vicky was the model of a classic mother and grandmother’sweet, loving, and thoughtful. Despite her limited income, her generosity to her children and grandchildren was legendary. Equally legendary were her Thanksgiving celebrations, which often fed forty or more family members, friends, and new acquaintances. Vicky was the strong heart of a large loving family. Although we will all dearly miss her, her legacy of love, loyalty, decency and generosity will serve as a model for generations. Vicky is survived by her son, Gary Ball, and his wife Susan and their children, Joe, Melissa and Sam of Chesapeake, VA; her daughter, DiAnn Anderson, and her husband Steve, and their daughters Kelli and Kimberly, of Spot, NC; her son Gregory Ball, his wife Ann and their children, Madison and Ethan of Colington, NC; her sister, Dreama Reynolds, and her husband Stanley of Newport News, VA; her brother, Charles William Miller of Kill Devil Hills, NC; her aunt Janet Andrews of Hot Springs, VA, and by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Amy Musil, RN, to Dr. Michael Smith of Outer Banks Surgery, and to all Dare County Home Health and Hospice, and Outer Banks Hospital personnel for their selfless and dedicated service during Vicky’s illness. We also thank all those whose prayers and help have encouraged Vicky and her family. A memorial service to celebrate Vicky’s wonderful life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Nature Conservancy, 701 West Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 in the name of Pearle ‘Vicky’ Ball. Twiford’s Colony Chapel Manteo is serving the Ball family.