April 15, 2021, 75, La Grange –
Brenda Yvonne Edwards, 75, was received into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Brenda was born in Lenoir County to the late Andrew and Lillian Foyles Waters on June 25, 1945. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bobby Waters; sister, Christine Gray; and her parents by marriage, Tom and Nora Mae Edwards.
As a proud graduate of the Wheat Swamp High School Class of 1963, Brenda served as head cheerleader in her senior year. Attending church right across the road at Wheat Swamp Christian Church, Brenda met the love of her life, Tommy, and the two married on February 20, 1965. Together, they welcomed and raised three children. As the devoted matriarch of her family, Brenda never missed a ballgame or school event in which her children participated. Additionally, she served as a leader with their Girl Scout Troop.
With a strong dedication to her work, Brenda enriched the lives of both the residents and staff of Caswell Center throughout her 37 years of service. After retirement in 2002, she started a new job—her favorite job—being a babysitter for her grandchildren. While being a second mom for her grands, she continued to work alongside Tommy running the family business, La Grange Used Furniture. She considered each grandchild her pride and joy. Much like the earlier years in raising her own children, Brenda made sure to be at every ballgame, dance recital, and school event. Nothing made Brenda’s day like spoiling her grandkids.
Brenda was a devoted supporter in all of Tommy’s endeavors. After a full day of work, she would often join him in the fields until the work at home was accomplished.
Searching for antiques and other merchandise for the store, a trip to Pennsylvania to ramble with Tommy was right up her alley. An added treasure was when she could find something to bring back for her children or grandchildren. For herself, finding Angels and Cherubs to add to an ever-growing collection was the perfect discovery.
As a way to show her love for her family, Brenda utilized her talents of sewing, crocheting, knitting, and making suckers to provide a little extra. This allowed for their yearly trips to the beach with her sister and their families, along with extended family from Colorado in later years.
There was no greater love nor devotion for Brenda than that for her Lord, Jesus Christ. From childhood into adult life, Brenda ensured her children were in church and knew who Jesus was. Supporting her husband in his ministry with Gideons International, Brenda encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone in spreading the gospel across the globe. Together, they were dedicated to making the word of God available to everyone and telling others about Christ. During their time with the Gideons, they were able to enter the local schools. To strengthen her relationship with the Lord, Brenda was a member of the Gideons Auxiliary, White Oak Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church, and also attended Trinity Free Will Baptist Church.
A service to celebrate and remember Brenda’s life will be held in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. with Pastors Gerald Fowler and Bob Smith officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Committal will be held Monday, April 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.
Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Thomas P. “Tommy” Edwards, Jr.; children, Delia Kimberlin and husband, Clifton, Ernest Edwards and wife, Anna, and Tammy Williams; grandchildren, Harley Cox and husband, Brandon, Thomas Kimberlin, Timmy Kimberlin, Austyn Daughety and husband, J.C., Lance Corporal Noah Edwards, Dylan Edwards, Avery Edwards, Angel Williams, and C.J. Williams; and great-grandchildren, Natalie, Elizabeth, and Benjamin, and brother-in-law and long-time friend, Hyman Gray.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Memorials to honor Brenda’s life may be made to Gideons International La Grange Camp, P.O. Box 481, La Grange, NC 28551, or to a church of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
