Billie - Jo Ellen Wood Edwards

Billie - Jo Ellen Wood Edwards, a resident of St. Simons Island, GA, died Friday evening, April 25, at Hospice of the Golden Isles following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church, Frederica, St. Simons Island. A reception will follow in Christ Church Parish House.

Billie Jo was born on March 10, 1932, in West Green, Georgia, to Jeurdine Baker Wood and William David Wood. In 1934 the family moved to St. Simons Island where her father was employed in the construction of the Coast Guard Station on East Beach. Billie Jo grew up with her older sister and younger brother in the Old Demere Road neighborhood. She was employed by The Cloister Hotel during her high school years prior to her graduation from Glynn Academy in the Class of 1950. She later worked at The Tabby House, as a paraprofessional at St. Simons Elementary School, and as manager of Key West Fashions.

She was an active member of Christ Church, Frederica, serving as the first chairman of the Frederick Cousins Guild, as a Vacation Bible School teacher, as chairman of the Christ Church Tour of Homes and Gardens, and for many years as a member of the church choir. She was a volunteer for the first community hospice program. She enjoyed many years traveling with her husband of 62 years, James Gregory “Buddy” Edwards, in pursuit of his business interests and activities. Billie Jo had a special gift for showing empathy for people in need and for listening to the concerns of her family and friends. She was often consulted for her wise advice and loved for her compassion and generous friendship.

Predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Montez Wood Parsons, she is survived by a son, Mark Gregory Edwards; a daughter, Margaret Ellen Edwards; a grandson, John Mark Edwards; a brother, Royce Eugene Wood; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family suggests contributions to Christ Church, Frederica, 6329 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522.