Edna Beatrice (Bowers) Hood

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:8

“Another Saint who is enjoying the rewards that can only be received by being

with the Master”

EDNA BEATRICE FRANCES MARIE BOWERS HOOD, affectionally known as “Sister Edna,” departed this walk of life on Saturday, January 30th, 2021, after a long journey of declining health. She was a resident at Brian Center Rehabilitation Center in Hickory, North Carolina. Edna Hood was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, on November 9th, 1940.

Sister Edna was born on November 9th, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Grace Bowers Moore and the late Richard Bowers. She was preceded in death by her husband-Billy Simon Hood, her eldest son-Billy Hood, Jr., two brothers: James and Howard Bowers, and her sister Charlotte Witherspoon.

Sister Edna leaves to mourn her children: Melissa Hood of Lenoir, North Carolina, Deborah Rankin of Hickory, North Carolina, Mark Hood of Lenoir, North Carolina, Jennifer Corpening (husband Michael) of Lenoir, North Carolina, Timothy Hood of Hickory, North Carolina, and Tammy Harper of Lenoir, North Carolina. Her loving grandchildren: Raven Hill (husband Matt), Tyler Hood, Octavia Hill (husband Tim), Jamaal Ferguson (wife Tiara), Donzale Hood, Donovan Rankin, Mark, Jr., Shay Hood, Victoria Hood, Harris Harper (wife Khadijah), and Shaneeka Harper. Two brothers; David Bowers (wife Geraldine), of Lenoir, and Donald Bowers of Lake Lure. A host of loving great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Sister Edna had a dual membership at Hood’s Chapel United Church of God, Inc., under the powerful preaching and teachings of the late Overseer O.C. Crone, and Mt. Zion Unity Holy Church of God, Inc., under the preaching and teachings of Bishop R.L. Hagler, where she took her seven children rotating and faithfully serving as Sunday School teacher, member of the Usher Board, a choir member and participated in Missionary meetings. She was called into the ministry of love to teach and preach gospel under the pastorship of Bishop R. C. Bryant at Unity New Temple Unity Holy Church of God, Inc., in Lenoir. She had a genuine heart for her church family and loved God with her whole heart. She was faithful to the word of God and allowed God to use her mightily. She always had a song on her lips and a prayer in her heart. She was faithful unto death.

Edna retired from the Caldwell County Public School System of 15 years, where she was a master cook and held the position of Head Baker in the cafeteria at William Lenoir Middle School. Everybody loved for her to be on the serving line where she gave ample portions of food. She received her formal education at the all black Freeman High School, where she was an outstanding basketball player on the team. She was a great swimmer, talented in softball and other outdoor sports. She was a member of the Harper-Witherspoon American Legion Post #231.

Sister Edna flew to West Germany in 1988 and preached to over 400 members and friends at the Abundant Life Church of God in Christ, Inc., under the leadership of the renown Dr. Leonard George Armstead, Sr. The Saints of God were blessed under her ministry of love and they showered her with so much love and appreciation for seven days. It remained a vivid experience that she spoke of often and fondly. Lastly, Sister Edna was a phenomenal mother, and virtuous woman who served the Lord with a heart filled with gladness. Her homegoing opens the Gates of Heaven and is a start with her presence with the Lord.

A Celebration of Sister Edna’s Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 in the Chapel of Kirksey Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Hood’s Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.