Elizabeth E. Pless

Elizabeth Edwards Pless was born on January 19, 1927 and died, in her own bed and on her own terms, on March 18, 2021. She was Betsy to her friends, Mama to her children and Gran to everyone else. She was the living embodiment of grace. She was gracious, kind to all, selfless to a fault; she was graceful in manner and expression, and she was full of the grace of God and secure in her faith. She possessed a quiet strength and subtle independent streak that positively influenced everyone around her. She never raised her voice in anger or said an unkind word about anyone and she gave generously to all in need. Even though she will be missed by her family on earth, we know that she will be welcomed into Heaven where she will be able to sing loud and in tune (!) all of the hymns that she so dearly loved.

Betsy was the third of four children born to William Sterling Edwards Jr and Elizabeth Alabama Wyman Edwards. She was predeceased by her three siblings: Dr. Sterling Edwards (Ann); Alabama Williams (Tutt); and Leon Edwards. She was predeceased by her husband, Norman Dewey Pless, and they had three children: Norman, Jr. (Nancy); Bet Dillard (Mason); and Robert (Gail). Her nine grandchildren were: Paul Pless (Katie); Betsy Stuermann (Mark); Weldon Pless (Corynne); Margaret Zee (Peter); Sterling Kreider (deceased 2006); Miller Kreider (Anne); Robert Pless, Jr;, Cece Pless; and Lucy Pless. She also had nine great grandchildren, ages 10 months to 12 years. Betsy lived the last 11 years of her life under the care and loving companionship of her daughter, Bet, who, along with Mason and Mason, Jr., showered her with love.

Betsy attended Mountain Brook Elementary School, Phillips High School and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. She was a longtime member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church and was involved in many of its ministries. She was also a member of Junior League, Community Bible Study, and numerous other clubs and groups. She was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren and never missed a game, recital or opportunity to bring the family together.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, March 20, at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Briarwood Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.

Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master. (Matthew 25:23)

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