Arrie Beth Edwards

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Arrie Beth Edwards, known to us simply as “Bethie.” Born on January 5, 1960, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Dr. George Wheeler and Arrie Wood Edwards, Beth lived a life of kindness, generosity, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

At every level of her education, Beth graduated with highest honors from: NorthSide High School, Jackson, Tennessee, 1978; Lambuth College, B.S. in chemistry, 1982; and University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD/RPh), 1984.

Raised in the church and devoted to the teachings of Jesus Christ, Beth was an active and lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, with special memories of growing up at Lambuth Memorial Church.

A proud descendant of centuries of a farming family, significantly Thomas Gilbert and Bertha Sparks Wood of Alabama and George Grant and Frances Wheeler Edwards of Illinois, Beth was an avid gardener with a special love for growing roses, lilies, and tomatoes.

An extensive traveler, Beth was especially devoted to preserving America’s National Parks, wildlife, and indigenous culture. As her father said, “We are Gypsies on this earth.”

With Memphis, Tennessee, roots, Beth was a devoted, lifelong supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and of the American Red Cross, having witnessed firsthand their goal to serve the needs of all individuals, inclusively.

Beth’s dedication to a lifelong career in pharmacy was sparked by her parents, Dr. George Wheeler Edwards, Chemistry Professor, Lambuth University, and Arrie Wood Edwards, Chemistry Teacher, Jackson Central Merry High School. Beth pursued her career as a pharmacist in Jackson, Tennessee, as Chief Pharmacist at East Jackson Family Clinic WTH, Regional Hospital of Jackson, and Jackson Madison County General Hospital, NPI.

Beth’s most outstanding character traits were her openness to meeting new people and her unlimited generosity to all. She loved making and keeping friends. Beth was a radiant soul who loved sharing her blessings with others, especially children.

Beth’s presence will be sorely missed. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the love, joy, and kindness that were central to her being. Beth will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she gave so graciously and the light she brought to lives around her. Her legacy is the love, strength, and compassion that lives on in all who loved her.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. George Wheeler and Arrie Wood Edwards, and her nephew, Thomas George Edwards (Tommy).

She is survived by her brother, George Thomas Edwards, M.D. (Taina); her sister, Trina Katherine Edwards; her nephews, Sam Edwards and Joe Edwards (Sarah Gray); and niece, Laura Smith (Devin); her great-nieces, Kaylee Edwards, Keylee Edwards, Kiersten Smith, and Emerson Smith; her great-nephews, Kaid Edwards, Cyrus Thomas Edwards, Levi Edwards, Lincoln Edwards, and Hayden Terry, US Army; her great-great-nieces, Izabella, Klaira and Halyn; and her great-great-nephew, Weston.

Graveside services for Beth will be conducted on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Highland Memorial Gardens with Pastor Drew Brewer officiating. Entombment will be at the Mausoleum at Highland Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the American Red Cross.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com.