Birth Date: 12/10/1927
Deceased Date: 01/29/2022
Frances Louise Thompson Edwards, 94, passed away peacefully at her home on January 29, 2022 after a period of declining health. Born December 10, 1927, her late parents were Nona Starling Thompson and Herman Debro Thompson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ray Thompson; and her husband of 73 years, Walt Edwards. She grew up near Pine Level and attended Pine Level Public School.
She met the love of her life, Walter Ralph Edwards, in 1945 and they married in 1947. They had two sons: Walter Danny Edwards and Perry Glenn Edwards. As a young wife, Frances took a daily bus ride, 25 cents round trip, to work in Goldsboro at a popular dime store. She and family helped her brother with tobacco. She worked at Clayton Sewing Plant where clothing items were made. She liked sewing and made many of her own dresses. After her second child, she gave up public work. She enjoyed her yard and planting flowers. She was a great cook and homemaker. She was a Christian lady and honored her Lord daily in word and deed. At mealtime, she spoke an amazing blessing perfectly worded coming from her heart to the Lord. Even in her declining years, she remembered this blessing. She always had a kind word and saw goodness in people. She enjoyed gospel music, and listening to Carl Lamm when he had his local radio program. She and Walt enjoyed vacations with family and dear friends, bus trips, camping trips to Kerr Lake and Camp Don Lee. Frances was a member of Pine Level First United Methodist Church. She served faithfully in many areas: Sunday School teacher, member of United Methodist Women, choir member, financial secretary, committees and helped with fundraisers. She loved her church family. Happiness was her Lord, family and friends. She had a beautiful smile and a gentle manner we will miss. She loved all her family and was proud of everyone.
Frances is survived by her sons: Danny Edwards, wife LaVerne, of Princeton; Glenn Edwards, wife Vicki, of Selma; grandsons: Wesley Edwards, wife Dana, of Pine Level; Michael Edwards, wife Meredith, of Selma; granddaughter: Emily Gainey, husband Will, of Selma; great grandson: Justin Edwards of Pine Level; sister: Joyce Pittman of Pine Level and several loved nieces and nephews. Frances and Walt were cared for by their devoted family during their declining years.
The family acknowledges with great appreciation the tender care given to Frances by caregivers: Jennifer Fitzgerald, Terry Myrick and Rae Lynn Quick. Family would like to thank Dr. Shubi Shahida and 3HC Home Health and Hospice Care.
A graveside service will be held in Selma Memorial Gardens on Tuesday February 1, 2022 at 1 PM.
Mrs. Edwards will lay in state at Parrish Funeral Home on Monday January 31, 2022 from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Pine Level First United Methodist Church,
P.O. Box 161, Pine Level, NC 27568
Online condolences may be sent to the family at Parrishfh.com
