Rowena Elizabeth Edwards Wade

Rowena “Jill” Elizabeth Wade (nee Edwards) passed away on November 15, 2016 at her Williamsburg, VA home with her husband, Ron, of 58 years at her side. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter and sister. She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris Owens; father, Woodrow Edwards and her brother, Woodrow Edwards Jr. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Wade; children: Karen Smiley (Daniel), Ronda Taylor (Paul) and Wesley Wade; and grandchildren: Gunther Smiley, Mariah Smiley and Paul Taylor, Jr.

Jill was born September 4, 1938 in Altavista, VA. She graduated from William Fleming High School in Roanoke, VA and attended Roanoke College. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church Hampton, the Jamestown Society and the Williamsburg DAR. She helped build Grafton True Value Hardware. She enjoyed having lunch with friends, playing bridge, cheering for the VT Hokies, watching Dancing with the Stars and visiting with family.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Sunday, November 20 at Nelsen Funeral Home of Williamsburg, VA. A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at 11 AM on Monday, November 21 at Nelsen. Interment will occur at 1 PM on Tuesday, November 22 at McElwee Chapel, Rockbridge Baths, VA. Memorials may take the form of one’s choosing. Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.