Rosa Edwards

Born on December 16, 1949, in Raeford, NC, Rosa was the daughter of the late Mamie Conoly Guin and Robert Lee Guin.

She was raised on N. Stewart Street in Raeford and attended Raeford Presbyterian Church during her childhood. At the tender age of nine, Rosa experienced the heartbreaking loss of her mother. She and her younger sister, Diane, were then cared for at Barium Springs Home for Children in Statesville, where she developed the resilience, strength, and compassion that would characterize her life.

Rosa graduated from high school in 1968 and married her teenage sweetheart, Richard Mont Edwards, on August 16, 1969. Together they built a loving home and raised two sons, Scott and Walter, affectionately known as “Wally.”

She began her career with Burlington Mills before joining the Hoke County Schools Child Nutrition Department. Rosa faithfully served the students of Hoke County for many years and was the cafeteria manager at Scurlock Elementary School for more than 15 years. She took great pride in caring for the children she served and was known for her dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic.

Following retirement, Rosa enjoyed traveling with her beloved husband, tending to her flower gardens, and, most of all, spending precious time with her six grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.

In addition to her parents, Rosa was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Richard Mont Edwards; her youngest son, Walter “Wally” Edwards; and her brother, Sgt. William Archie Guin, USAF.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Scott Edwards and wife, Melody, of Raeford; six grandchildren, Brittany, Taylor, Cheyanne, Riley, Raley, and Ryan Edwards; two great-granddaughters, Khloe and Lorelei; her sister, Diane Chandler (P.G.) of Fayetteville; her sister-in-law, Lona Dees (Allen) of Fayetteville, and several beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The Edwards family extends heartfelt gratitude to Brittany Edwards, Rosa’s oldest grandchild, and Alicia Locklear, home health aide, for their unwavering love, dedication, and compassionate care during Rosa’s illness. The family also sincerely thanks the caregivers of PruittHealth Hospice for their exceptional support, kindness, and comfort.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Raeford Cemetery, East Central Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Hope Alliance, 194 Barium Springs Drive, Statesville, NC 28677, in honor of Rosa’s childhood home, or through their website at www.childrenshopealliance.org.

Services are entrusted to Crumpler Funeral Home.