Annie Ruby Burgess Edwards

Mrs. Annie Ruby Burgess Edwards, widow of the late Achious Herbert Edwards and the daughter of the late John David Burgess, Sr. and Annie Bessie Jones Burgess was born on February 24, 1922 in Olanta (Florence County) South Carolina. She departed her earthly life at home peacefully surrounded by her children on Saturday, June 23rd,2018. At an early age, she joined Jordan Chapel Freewill Baptist Church and accepted Christ as personal Savior. In her belief in faith and trust in God, She was able to organize the first youth choir, served as secretary of the Sunday School, member of the Missionary Society, Senior Choir, Mother's Board and a faithful, dedicated member of the Trustee Board for many years. She received her early education at Rosenwald School (St. John School) in the St. John community of Sumter County. With her desire and determination to earn a high school diploma, she continued her education and graduated through adult education classes, Eastern High School Class of 1968. Mrs. Edwards was joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life, the late Achious H. Edwards on April 8, 1942 and to this loving union seven children were born. Mrs. Edwards was a farmer, nursing assistant, and substitute teacher in Sumter School District #2. She was the owner of Edwards Florist in Lynchburg, S.C. Mrs. Edwards was an election poll manager, community volunteer and worked with the Green Thumb program. She was instrumental in organizing, implementing, and directing many activities at the Shiloh Community Center, such as chairperson of arts and crafts and the program planning committees. Mrs. Edwards received many state and national awards for her volunteer work in the community. Mrs. Edwards enjoyed playing the piano and singing. She had a passion for flowers and was delighted with the flowers in her yard. Mrs. Edwards loved reading for information and having fun with family and friends. She took the lead in all she did and what God had placed on her heart to do. She was preceded in death by a son, Thaddeus Edwards; a grandson, Herbert Edwards; four sisters: Vernese McKnight, Ada Muldrow, Mary Lee Woods, and Joretha Fullard; two brothers, Sam P. Burgess and J.D. Burgess. Mrs. Annie Ruby Burgess Edwards leaves to cherish beautiful, loving memories: six children: Charles (Ila) Edwards,Lynchburg, SC; Mae E. Edwards (David) Wells,Columbia, SC, Almeta Edwards-Fleming, Olanta, SC, Douglas M. (Deidre) Edwards, Decatur, GA., twin daughters, Vernessa R. Edwards (Mitchell) Joyce, McDonough, GA and Verlencia R. Edwards (Darryl) Johnson, Sumter, SC.; 11 grandchildren: Timothy Jackson, Shelia Edwards (Sam) Darby, Charlene (Bobby) Ballenger David A. Wells, Catrice (Luther)Windley, Kenan (Regina) Fleming Michelle McCutcheon, Rashad (Renee) Edwards, Dr. Whitney Joyce, Dr. Rosalynd Joyce, and Chantal Johnson; 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia Burgess, Valerie G. (Bobby) Woods both of Olanta: four sister-in-laws, Eula E. Fulton, Lake City, SC, Rosa Lee Scott, Columbia, SC, Colia Sullivan, Greer, SC, and Earlene Hayes, Chicago, Ill.; two brothers-in-law, John Wesley Edwards, Jr. and Waymon (Ree) Edwards, Florence, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Jordan Freewill Baptist Church c/o Building Fund P.O. Box 732 Olanta, SC 29114

Annie Ruby Burgess Edwards

February 24, 1922 - June 23, 2018