Elma Lee Smith Edwards

Elma Lee Smith Edwards passed on into the more immediate presence of Jesus on November 24, 2023. Elma was born in Yancey County to Lewis and Bessie Ray Smith. Her mom passed when Elma was very young, and she was sent to live with her paternal grandparents. Times were hard in Buncombe County, and it was there that she learned the value of faith, family, and hard work. Right after Elma graduated high school Rush Wade Edwards came courting. He was just discharged from the Army after serving in the Pacific during WWII. They fell in love and not long after were married and began their family: Harold Eugene (Joyce) and Jerry Wade (Sherry). Elma worked outside the home as a seamstress. She was very talented at working with designers and pattern makers. Although she worked outside the home, she still found time to cook delicious family meals, can and freeze during the growing season and custom make clothing for her daughters in law and other family members. Proverbs 27 “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” After Wade’s passing her health began to fail and in 2008, she moved into independent living. Elma was always happy and easy to talk with and she soon became “The Ambassador” of Creekside Terrace. Residents and staff all loved her, and she was the first friendly face for new residents. Elma remained active at Cross Point Church until her health no longer permitted her to attend. Her real joy in life were her grandchildren, Kevin (Guy Hill), and Jay (Jenny) and her great grandchildren, AnnaMarie, Jacob (Arielle) and Isabelle. She lived to have a great-great grandson, Rush Wade Edwards but dementia robbed her of that knowledge. Praise God that dementia did not rob her of her smile, sense of humor or love and respect for other people. Elma had a very special friend, Wendy Turner, who loved, visited, and cared for her for more than 30 years. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with Pastor Michael Greer, and Brother Dennis Caudle officiating. Jay Edwards, Kevin Edwards, Jacob Edwards, Al Aust, Stan Turner, Bob Sawery, and Billy Blevins will serve as pall bearers. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The family is thankful for the good and kind care that was provided by Summerstone Health & Rehab staff and especially for the compassionate care of Cassandra with Liberty Hospice. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Cancer Services, 3175, Maplewood Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27103; or Kidney Foundation: Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157; or Cross Point Church: 310 Biesecker, Lexington, NC 27295. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com