Carolyn Shirlene Edwards

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Obituary of Carolyn S. Edwards

Carolyn Shirlene Edwards, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend made a peaceful transition to her heavenly home on May 22, 2024, at the age of 81.  Born on September 5, 1942, in Des Arc, Arkansas, she lived a life filled with love, laughter and unwavering dedication to her family, community, and above-all, to her Heavenly Father.

Carolyn (Shirlene to her family) was the eldest daughter of the late Joe Thomas Henson and Odell Childers Henson of West Helena, Arkansas.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William (Bill) Edwards Sr., and a beloved sister, Margie Henson Caldwell of Trumann.

Carolyn was an active and dedicated member of the Church of God of Prophecy all of her life.  She passionately served within the church as Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Missionary Leader, Youth Leader (Victory Leader’s Band), Youth Camp Ministry, Church Secretary/Treasurer and anywhere else she was needed.  In her retirement years, Carolyn continued serving in the Jonesboro community as a volunteer at Saint Bernards Hospital, the local food pantry and a local thrift-store whose proceeds benefit abused women.  During the last few years of her life, she attended NEA Hub Church with her daughter, Sandra.

Carolyn retired after twenty-eight years as Assistant Executive Director of the Helena Housing Authority in Helena, Arkansas in 1994.  She relocated to Jonesboro and came out of retirement to join the staff of Arkansas State University in June 1996.  She retired again in June 2014 (at age 72) after eighteen years of service to Astate.

Outside of her professional life, Carolyn (Nay-Nay) loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She enjoyed gardening, reading, studying scripture and spending time with her six sisters.  She loved life!

Carolyn is survived by:  son, William “Bill” Edwards Jr. (Linda) of Savannah, GA; daughter, Sandra Smythe of Jonesboro, AR; brothers Winford Henson and Jimmy Henson (Glenda) of West Helena, AR; sisters Marion Grigsby, Betty Jo Long, Brenda Henson, Edna Gartmen (Danny) and Delsie Wright (Sherman) all of Trumann, AR.  Grandchildren:  Kendra Jadrich, Candice Criswell, Tracy Hale, Matthew Oaks, David Oaks, Ashley Shields, Chris Churchwell, Don Churchwell; nineteen great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Isaiah 40:31 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (A favorite scripture):
31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”

A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 10:30 am at Emerson’s Funeral Home, 1629 E. Nettleton Ave., Jonesboro, AR with Reverand Gerald Vickers officiating.  Visitation is from 9:30am to 10:30am.  Burial will follow at Nettleton Cemetery.

Pallbearers:  Joel Jadrich, Zander Jadrich, Josiah Jadrich, Mycah Burnett, Sammy Grigsby Jr., Pastor Eric Lewis.