Obituary for Emma Frank Edwards
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Emma Frank Edwards, wife of the late Preston Edwards, Sr., daughter of the late Norwood and Sally Downing was born September 10, 1918 in Bloxom, Virginia. Emma was the mother of three sons who preceded her in death; Robert, Warner, and Preston, Jr. She gained her wings on August 30, 2021 at her home in Parksley, Virginia surrounded by her family.
Emma was a member of Adams United Methodist Church. During the early years of her membership, she served on various auxiliaries. She entered the work force at an early age holding many positions at various places: JC Cleaners, Perdue, and Byrd’s Foods, to name a few. She was a hard worker and great provider for her family.
Emma loved her family and enjoyed the many family dinners at her home for Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, meals she prepared herself. Dumplings, turnip greens, and homemade ice cream were just a few of her many specialties that were perfect in every way and could not be copied. Every holiday at her home was like a family reunion filled with lots of laughs, good food, and precious memories. She enjoyed being around family and had a loving and kind spirit that will be missed by all.
“Grandma,” as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren; “Aunt Emma” to many cousins, nieces, and nephews, was the matriarch and back-bone of the family for many years. She most definitely was the glue that held the family together.
Emma was also preceded in death by two granddaughters, Tabie Edwards and Tonia Davis; two great-grandchildren, Rasheda and Roshawn Edwards; granddaughter-in-law, Beverly Edwards; a sister, Dorothy Downing; a mother-in-law; three brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in law.
She leaves to cherish her memory: five grandchildren, Zachery Edwards and Karen (Willie) White, whom she raised as her own, Victoria (Steve) Horner, Robert Edwards, Jr. (Shirley), and Monica Hargis; thirteen great-grandchildren, LaShanta Edwards and Shenia (Shawn) Corbin, whom she raised as her own, Derryck, Darren, Ryan, Raven, Tyneika, Taria, De’Janeira, Marcus, Britney, Bre’Monta and Errica; twenty-one great, great-grandchildren including, Kanijha, Ja’Mya, Cornik, Aniya, and Tyrell, whom she also raised in her home; two daughters-in-law, Doris and Helen Edwards; three special nieces, Emma, Sharon, and Shelia; goddaughter, Tumicka Ayres; her extended family, D.L., Elsie, Donovan, Jessica, and Erica; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Grandma, we all loved you and will miss you forever. We place you back in the bosom of the one that first loved you. God in His infinite wisdom is too wise to make a mistake.
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Emma Frank Edwards, wife of the late Preston Edwards, Sr., daughter of the late Norwood and Sally Downing was born September 10, 1918 in Bloxom, Virginia. Emma was the mother of three sons who preceded her in death; Robert, Warner, and Preston, Jr. She gained her wings on August 30, 2021 at her home in Parksley, Virginia surrounded by her family.
Emma was a member of Adams United Methodist Church. During the early years of her membership, she served on various auxiliaries. She entered the work force at an early age holding many positions at various places: JC Cleaners, Perdue, and Byrd’s Foods, to name a few. She was a hard worker and great provider for her family.
Emma loved her family and enjoyed the many family dinners at her home for Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, meals she prepared herself. Dumplings, turnip greens, and homemade ice cream were just a few of her many specialties that were perfect in every way and could not be copied. Every holiday at her home was like a family reunion filled with lots of laughs, good food, and precious memories. She enjoyed being around family and had a loving and kind spirit that will be missed by all.
“Grandma,” as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren; “Aunt Emma” to many cousins, nieces, and nephews, was the matriarch and back-bone of the family for many years. She most definitely was the glue that held the family together.
Emma was also preceded in death by two granddaughters, Tabie Edwards and Tonia Davis; two great-grandchildren, Rasheda and Roshawn Edwards; granddaughter-in-law, Beverly Edwards; a sister, Dorothy Downing; a mother-in-law; three brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in law.
She leaves to cherish her memory: five grandchildren, Zachery Edwards and Karen (Willie) White, whom she raised as her own, Victoria (Steve) Horner, Robert Edwards, Jr. (Shirley), and Monica Hargis; thirteen great-grandchildren, LaShanta Edwards and Shenia (Shawn) Corbin, whom she raised as her own, Derryck, Darren, Ryan, Raven, Tyneika, Taria, De’Janeira, Marcus, Britney, Bre’Monta and Errica; twenty-one great, great-grandchildren including, Kanijha, Ja’Mya, Cornik, Aniya, and Tyrell, whom she also raised in her home; two daughters-in-law, Doris and Helen Edwards; three special nieces, Emma, Sharon, and Shelia; goddaughter, Tumicka Ayres; her extended family, D.L., Elsie, Donovan, Jessica, and Erica; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Grandma, we all loved you and will miss you forever. We place you back in the bosom of the one that first loved you. God in His infinite wisdom is too wise to make a mistake.