M. Rebecca Edwards

Martha Rebecca Galyon Edwards "Rebecca", 93, was born the second of three children in Seymour, Tennessee on July 20, 1929. She went to be with her heavenly Father on August 6, 2022 after a brief cardiopulmonary illness. Warm, loving, encouraging, and optimistic, her upbringing on a farm in Seymour also instilled in her a tremendous work ethic. Rebecca graduated from Harrison Chilhowee Academy where she was later honored as Alumni of the Year. She attended Carson Newman College, but graduated from the University of Tennessee. After graduation, Rebecca became a County Extension Agent in Erwin, TN, where she became reacquainted with her future husband, Bennick, who had also attended Carson Newman. They were joyfully married for 65 years, raised three daughters, blessed with four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Ben and Rebecca were faithful members of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church for over 60 years. Professionally, Rebecca was a teacher in several Knox County Schools, with the majority of time spent teaching science at West Haven Elementary and Northwest Middle School. The world was her classroom. Personally, she was well known for welcoming friends and family into her heart and home, often serving a delicious meal famously followed by the question, “How about some pie?” Her grandchildren were always delighted when their fearless grandmother would join them on the swings and other thrill rides at a nearby amusement park. Rebecca also enjoyed traveling across the United States and abroad. With a map in her purse and a bag packed, she was always ready to go. Later in life, she was lovingly cared for by the staff at the Lantern of Morning Pointe in Powell.

Rebecca is preceded in death by her husband, Bennick D. Edwards; parents, William Holmes and Vergie Galyon; siblings, Wallace Galyon and A.C. Galyon. She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Edwards LeCraw (Carter), Cindy Edwards Campbell (Rob) and Emily Edwards Payne; grandchildren, Rebecca Campbell, Emily Campbell Swearingen (Joe), Peter LeCraw (Hannah), and Samuel Payne; great-grandchild, Campbell Swearingen; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home on Saturday August 13, 2022 with visitation at 1:00 pm and funeral service at 2:00 pm. Rev. Kent Williams will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at Lynnhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wallace Memorial Baptist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berrylynnhurst.com for the Edwards family.