Obituary of Geraldine "Jean" S. Edwards

WEAVERVILLE-Jean Shepherd Edwards, age 90 of Weaverville, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. She was the youngest daughter of the late Robert Oscar Shepherd and Flora Hylemon Shepherd.

Jean was born November 24, 1931, in the Bald Creek Community of Yancey County and graduated from Bald Creek High School where she was a Cheerleader and sang in the Chorus.

She was preceded in death by all six sisters, Margie Ponder, Leona Yelton, Pauline Chandler, Maude Wilson, Ada Buckner, Atlas Ponder, and both brothers, Cecil Shepherd and Charles Shepherd.

Jean was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Hugh W. Edwards in 2015. Jean and Hugh became members of First Baptist Church Weaverville in 1969.  She loved her Church and especially her Sunday School Class. One of Jean’s favorite tasks was preparing The Lord’s Supper Table for the Church.

In the 1960’s and 1970’s Jean worked at Mills Manufacturing and AB Emblem. Later, she was a Sample Demonstrator at local grocery stores. Her primary focus, however, was on raising her family with Hugh. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who showed her faith in the way she lived life with a spirit of humility and gratitude.

She is survived by son, Michael Edwards and wife Teresa of Asheville; daughter, Susan Edwards Rhodes and husband Richard of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Sara Edwards of Asheville, Will Rhodes and wife Catie, and Great Granddaughter, Caroline Rhodes of Roanoke, VA.

A Graveside Service will be held 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 4, 2022, Mars Hill Cemetery. The Reverends Jerry Jamerson and Richard Rhodes will officiate.

Flowers are appreciated however, Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International Ministry, P.O. Box 2292. Weaverville, NC 28787.

The family requests that all those planning to attend please wear a mask to protect themselves and others.

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Edwards’ obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.