Edith Marie Sorrell

Edith (fondly known to her sisters as EdieRee), was born on October 16,1943 in her family’s home in Franconia, Va. to Hartford Maxwell (Mike) Wise and Edith Marie Heeter (Wise). She was child number four of eight children, all girls, born to Mike and Edith. EdieRee enjoyed a happy and adventurous childhood with her sisters doing all the activities typical of a young child, such as camping, tap dancing, picnicking, playing baseball, swimming, scouting, etc.

After graduation from Lee High School in Springfield, VA, in 1961, she worked for several years in a bank and attended evening classes at the local community college. Later, her adventurous and curious spirit resurfaced when she and a close friend, Sharon, decided to take a tour of Europe. Over the course of 2 months, on a shoestring budget, they visited the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Later, Edith accepted a Human Resources Internship with the Department of the Army at Walter Reed Medical Center, in Washington, D. C. She ultimately worked for 35 years for the Army at locations in Alexandria, VA, Monterey, CA, Columbus, OH, and Germany where she worked for eight years. She was recognized with bonus awards, certificates, and medals for her outstanding work and retired as a senior Personnel Management Specialist. After retirement, she accepted a job working under contract for the Department of Interior performing the same work she had done for the Department of Army and worked there for approximately 10 years.

She has always been a strong supporter of the feminist movement and in the late 1960’s participated in demonstrations organized by the Women’s Liberation Movement, also known as “the Bra Burners”. She continued her commitment to women’s rights over the years by providing financial support and participation in various activities.

Edith enjoyed working puzzles, bird watching, and gardening. It was always a pleasure to have her participate in family events, especially over the holidays.

Though Edith is no longer with us, her spirit and love will remain in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, located at 1621 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22401, on October 9, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.

The burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3702 Loren Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia, on October 9, 2025, at 2:00 pm.