Birth Date: 05/18/1927
Deceased Date: 12/04/2023
Sybil Jean Matthews Edwards, 96, passed away on December 4, 2023, in her home with family by her side in Smithfield, NC. She was born on May 18, 1927, in Roseboro, NC to James Abie Matthews and Lula Jane Robinson Matthews. She graduated from Roseboro High School in 1944. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Woman’s College of Greensboro (UNCG) and her Master’s in Education from East Carolina College (ECU). She began her teaching career in Goldsboro and taught a few years there before accepting a new position in Raleigh. Sybil enjoyed music and dancing. While at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Raleigh, she met her future husband, Robert O. Edwards. With their marriage on June 23, 1962, she moved to Smithfield and resumed her teaching career in Smithfield.
Together Bob and Sybil have 2 daughters. Sybil did take a hiatus of 13 years to be a Stay-at-Home Mom but would return to the classroom to teach and eventually retire after 26 years in education. Sybil was an active member of the Educators’ professional honor society of Delta Kappa Gamma for many years. She was also named teacher of the year in 1984-1985 at South Smithfield Elementary School.
Sybil was known for her Christian faith and leadership. She was active in her church, First Baptist Church of Smithfield. She served in many roles of leadership and service over the years to include Sunday School teacher, Girls in Action leader, Bible Study leader, Pianist for Children’s Choirs, Soup Kitchen Ministry and one of the first women to serve as a Deacon in the Church. Sybil enjoyed her church family and was committed to her church community.
Her Christian service extended to her greater community. She was actively involved in disaster relief efforts such as the Baptist Men’s clean up and rebuilding missions after Hurricane Katrina as well as several mission trips. She enjoyed the relationships established on various Christian retreats to Ridgecrest and The Cove. She supported her community by serving with Meals on Wheels and Contact Teleministries for several years. She and Bob were both recognized for their community involvement and support with the designation of the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award.
Sybil enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed frequent Bridge games in Smithfield and Raleigh. She enjoyed opening her home to her friends and neighbors for those Bridge parties. Sybil also had a love for learning. She enjoyed traveling and was able to tour and learn about many local and distant communities over the years with Bob and their great friends. Her adventures included trips to Yellowstone, Alaska, Europe, and a trip to the Holy Land.
Sybil enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren. She didn’t miss many band concerts, dance recitals, choral concerts, football games, cheerleading competitions or Tae Kwon Do tests.
Sybil will be remembered in many ways. She was a dedicated classroom teacher and will be remembered for her creative teaching methods and connection with her students. She will be remembered for her Christian service to her community. She will be remembered for her quiet, humble service and strength during difficult times.
Sybil is preceded in death by her parents; James Abie Matthews and Lula Jane Robinson Matthews, her brothers; Dr. Otto Matthews and Dr. Roland Matthews, and her husband, Robert O. Edwards.
Sybil is survived by her daughters; Lori E. Graham (Michael) of Kenansville and Abby E. Salas (Joe) of Smithfield, Grandchildren; Jessica G. Holmes (Brandon) of Goldsboro, Logan S. O’Kelly (Tom) of Raleigh, Hayden L. Salas of Smithfield, Justin M. Graham (Anna) of Raleigh, Great-Grandchildren: Madison, Brayden, Allie and Macie of Goldsboro. Sybil is blessed to be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
Sybil was also blessed to have loving caregivers to help take care of her over the last 4 years and would count Dottie Freeman and Terri Hinshaw as family. The Edwards family would like to thank all of the friends, neighbors and church family for your support and love. The family is also thankful for the nurses, aides, chaplain, and social worker who helped with her care from Gentiva Hospice Clayton, NC.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, Smithfield, NC. Visitation with the family will be available on Friday, December 8, 2023, in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. The burial will follow the in Sunset Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 202 S. 4th Street, Smithfield, NC 27577 or www.fbc smithfield.org.
Mrs. Edwards was my 5th grade teacher back in 1986-1987. One day when I was in high school i went back to Smithfield Elementary as part of student teacher program and Ms. Edwards came and found me and said I have something for you. She gave a cut out easter egg that we made as a class one easter and she still had mine. The minute I saw it I immediately recognized it. Ms. Edwards was an amazing teacher and she never forgot me. Take your rest Ms. Edwards from a job well done.