Grace M. Edwards

Grace M. Edwards, just shy of 95 years, decided she needed a special way to exit this world and meet her Maker. So on February 29th (Leap Year Day) she leaped into eternity and into the arms of Jesus.

Grace was born in New York, but was a resident of Coral Gables, Florida for over sixty years, having watched the community grow from sleepy little village into a community known as The City Beautiful. She was known throughout her neighborhood as the lady ready to help anyone. If she saw a newspaper on someone's lawn late in the day, she suspected the homeowner was ill, and she would ring the doorbell to inquire. She would then follow up with a gift of homemade soup, or tapioca, or some other treat to make the recipient "feel better." But it was her outgoing and caring way that was really the healing balm.

She worked nearly thirty years for Sears in Coral Gables, and received commendations from each manager she worked for. She was active in the Retirees Club and looked forward to seeing them regularly. She was often the catalyst for planning birthday parties and luncheons for them.

Grace was the mother of two, Arlene Gray (married to Bill Gray) of Blairsville, and George Edwards of Miami. They blessed her with five grandchildren, Lt. Col. Bill Gray, Jr. (presently in Iraq), Christine Owen of Blairsville, and Scott Gray of Minneapolis, MN (children of Bill and Arlene Gray); and Beth Anne Edwards and Nolene Barnette, of North Carolina, (children of George Edwards). The grandchildren, in turn, added nine awesome greatgrandchildren to her quiver: Stephanie Owen, Brandon Owen, Caleb Owen, Anneliese Owen, Jaziah Owen, Fiona Gray, Harley Gray, Billy Joe Gray, and Grayson Edwards. Everyone above named, as well as those spouses related by marriage, experienced her love and affection by the bushel.

In addition to her immediate family, there are scads of nieces and nephews- and children of those nieces and nephews- who remember her delicious cooking and hospitality. She definitely left an indelible mark on her family and friends.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Alfred Edwards, and lived as a widow the last twenty-one years of her life. But she didn't slow down, and up until her early 90's maintained membership in a local health club.

She spent several months a year visiting her daughter in Blairsville and attended House of Prayer during those times. Pursuant to her wishes, she was cremated and her ashes will be strewn in Biscayne Bay, where her husband's were strewn years ago. A private memorial is being planned. Those interested in remembering her in a special way can make a donation to Daily Bread Food Bank, 5850 N.W. 32nd Avenue, Miami, FL33142.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome. com