Martha (Marti) Gaskins Edwards

Born in Chesterfield, South Carolina on August 7, 1943 to Marguerite and Hubert Gaskins, Marti attended Chesterfield High School and then Winthrop College, earning a degree in elementary education. After graduation and what she often called her trip of a lifetime… a three month adventure in Europe with her closest friends…she settled in Jacksonville, Florida and began teaching. It was there she met a cute Navy officer who also happened to be working on his graduate degree at the University of Florida. Their first date was the Florida/Georgia football game and on June 14, 1969, they became Mr. and Mrs. Terry Edwards. With their daughter Jennifer and son, Ben on the way, they moved to Leesburg, Florida in the spring of 1973 and settled in what would become their forever Florida home on Sunnyside Drive.

For many years Marti was the CEO of the household. She shuttled kids around, hosted endless get togethers at the house, and never said no when a hand was needed. During Jennifer’s senior year, she co-chaired the first Project Graduation at Leesburg High School. Marti loved Morrison United Methodist Church and spent countless hours volunteering there over the years, whether she was teaching Sunday School, chaperoning trips, or helping to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. The friendships that began at church lasted her lifetime. Later, Marti joined her husband in running their wholesale plant nursery. She had an amazing green thumb and business sense. They retired together and began their next chapter.

Marti and Terry moved to Madison, Mississippi 7 years ago to be closer to Ben and his family. They were lucky to have her there to fix the lovey that had been loved too much, make a favorite Christmas morning casserole, or host a sleepover. She was a ferocious reader and was always anticipating the next new release. When she moved to Madison, one of the first things she did was find the local library. She loved puzzles and watching college football, flowers, birds, and talking to her friends. Oh how she loved to talk, and she never met a stranger. Most of all, she adored her grandchildren.

Of all her titles throughout her life… Mom, volunteer, business owner, friend… GaGa was by far her favorite and the one she was most proud of. Whether she was watching a baseball game, a soccer match, or a cheer or equestrian competition, she was cheering her grandkids on with absolute enthusiasm. At the same time, she was always ready with an ear to listen and a hug to give. She was present in their lives and they always knew how much they were loved.

All of our hearts are a bit broken, but we know she has gone home to heaven, Her faith…our faith… will sustain us and comfort us.

Marti is survived by her loving husband Terry W. Edwards Ph.D. to whom she was married for 56 years, children Jennifer Edwards Brosius (Todd Brosius) and Benjamin Edwards (Leigh Edwards, M.D.). She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Parker,Emma Grace, Reese, Evie Kate and Benjamin. In addition, she leaves behind her nephew Tony Nicholson, her sister Bonnie Gaskins Lofton, her niece Debbie Tart, as well as many extended family members and beloved friends. Marti was predeceased by her parents Marguerite and Hubert Gaskins, her sister Frances Gaskins Nicholson, and her niece Dana Lofton.

A service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Marti’s name to the Friends of the Leesburg Library at 100 East Main Street, Leesburg, FL 34748.