Gail was born on August 10, 1933 to Charlie and Zetta Whitaker in Yadkinville, NC. She grew up on a farm during the depression and learned to be resourceful and find uses for things that many people would discard as junk. As a result, Gail was very gifted at creating things anew. Whether it was using small trinkets to make costumes for programs or refinishing furniture, Gail could usually find a way to make something useful again.
After graduating from Pfeiffer College in NC, Gail became a US2 missionary. Her missionary work brought her to West Tennessee where she worked in several United Methodist Churches. Through her work, she met Bobby Gene Edwards and they were married on April 20, 1957.
Gail loved music. Through the years, she was a faithful member of the choir at Grace United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Humboldt Music Club and the Sonshiners Senior Choir. Gail served as a Sunday School teacher for many years and for various age groups. She was a strong and faithful Christian who served the Lord in any way she could.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bobby Edwards; her brothers, Harold Whitaker and Omer (Hilda) Whitaker; her sisters, Doris (Isaac) Hoots and Eva (Kermit) Maines; a granddaughter-in-love, Amy Houck.
She leaves behind two daughters, Anita (David) Fesmire and Jeannie (Chris) Houck; her six grandchildren, Alyssa Fesmire, Cody (Emily) Houck, Alaina (Joey) Bivona, Adrienne (Azam) Bacchus, Hannah (Brandon) Mooney and Noah Houck; and three great-grandchildren, Nadia Abuali and Lily and Eli Houck.
There will be a service at Grace United Methodist Church in Humboldt, TN on Saturday, September 30 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be on Saturday at the church from 12:00 pm until time of service. Burial will be at New Shiloh Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to Grace United Methodist Church. Gifts may be sent to:
Grace United Methodist Church
2603 E. Mitchell St. Humboldt, TN 38343
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Edwards family.
