Elaine was born in Hendersonville, NC & was a lifelong resident. She was the daughter of the late Irene Emily Hyder Rhodes & sister of Keith Rhodes of Alabama, as well as the granddaughter of Charlotte Telue Hyder. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Lawrence Edwards, & infant daughter Susan Annette. Bob & Elaine were high school sweethearts & were happily married for 39 years. They had five children including Linda Elaine (Harris) (husband Don Harris), Susan Annette, Joseph Lawrence, Robert Daniel, & Timothy Leland (wife Nancy).
Elaine loved reading her Bible & teaching spiritual truths to her family, & she was active in the “Flat Rock High School” group—meeting up with her classmates from years ago. She knew her flowers & spent much time in her gardens lovingly tending them & feeding her birds. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, & she photojournalled her family’s life. One of her greatest loves was preparing Sunday dinners for her family. All members of her family & friends enjoyed coming to Elaine’s for Sunday Dinner.
She was known as MaMaw to her grandchildren, however one great grandson, in the most tenacious grandparent/grandchild love, named her “Darlin’”. MaMaw Darlin’ had 6 grandchildren & 9 great grands. Her grandchildren are Donnie Harris (& wife Tommi), Michelle Elaine Harris Cermak (& husband Cliff), Joseph Kendall Edwards (& wife Jada), Danielle Edwards (& husband Zaki), Joshua Edwards (wife Sophie), & Stephanie Black (husband Will). And to make life even grander she had 9 great grands named Hugh, Lois “Lulu” Telue, Riley Elaine, Jude, Sutton, Shea, Leland, Yaseen, & Neil.
She has passed a legacy of love & faith to her children & grandchildren. She preached her funeral with her life. We have been blessed.