Gladys Faye Edwards

Birth Date: 08/07/1939
Deceased Date: 02/04/2025

Gladys Faye Wilson Edwards, age 85, died on February 4, 2025, in the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield. Born, August 7, 1939, she was the daughter of Carlton & Ruby Wilson. In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, James Lee “Jim” Edwards; her beautiful daughter, Tammy Lynn Edwards; sister, Inez Wilson Creech; and two brothers, Donald Wilson and Charles Wilson. Gladys was retired from Johnston County Schools where she drove a bus for special needs students for many years. She loved to arrange flowers which led to her owning her own floral business, “The Bridesmaid” for many, many years. She focused exclusively on weddings and enjoyed meeting with the brides and being a part of their special day by planning all the floral arrangements and candelabras to make the wedding venues look awesome.

Gladys loved to read until recent years due to declining vision. So many family photos show her with a book in her lap. She was so proud of her bond with her daughter and her grandchildren and cherished the time spent with them. Gladys will be deeply missed by her family and all those whose lives were touched by her love. We take great comfort in knowing that Mom is in the arms of Jesus and reunited with her beloved, Jim and Tammy.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Selma Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Sammy Evans officiating. Gladys will be laid to rest by her loved ones. The family will receive friends at other times in the home of Debbie and Sonny Howard, 221 W. Woodlawn Dr, Smithfield, 27577.

Surviving is her daughter, Debbie Edwards Howard and husband Paul H. Howard, Jr. of Smithfield; grandsons, David R. Johnson, Jr. & wife Christy L. Johnson and James L. Johnson and wife Amanda M. Johnson; great-grandchildren Carlee Brooke Johnson, Mason Lee Johnson, and Cambree Layne Johnson, who affectionately called her “GiGi”; brothers, Earl Wilson and wife Joy, and Eugene Wilson and wife Joan; as well as many nieces & nephews.

Flowers are welcome but donations can be sent to SECU Hospice House, 426 Hospital Rd., Smithfield, NC 27577 or Selma Public Library 301 N. Pollock St., Selma, NC 27576.

The family wishes to recognize and express a heartfelt thank you to Shonda Thorne for the many years of attentive care for Gladys as well as the staff and nurses at The Landings of Smithfield and SECU Hospice House in Smithfield.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parrishfh.com