Elizabeth Bass Edwards, 91, of Paducah, Kentucky, peacefully passed away at her home on June 12. From her birth on August 22, 1927, until her death, Elizabeth was a gracious, elegant “lady” who always had a smile, a sunny disposition, and something positive to say. Faith, family, and friends defined her happiness, and she was a great model to all for a life well lived. Mother, Wife, “Meme,” friend to so many, and Christ’s faithful servant- thank you for your selfless grace, gentle warmth and thoughtful generosity. We will miss you!
Elizabeth Dean Bass was born in Paducah to Dr. William Johnson Bass and Charlotte Cecilia Dean Bass. She graduated from St. Mary Academy of Paducah in 1945 and from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, Memphis, TN in 1948. She married George Douglas Edwards on January 8, 1949 at St. Thomas More Church in Paducah. They were married for 64 years before Mr. Edwards passed away in 2013. She was preceded in death by her four sisters, Lola Carson, Ellis Thomas, Nell Howerton and William Etta Stowell.
Mrs. Edwards worked as a registered nurse in Memphis before starting her family. She was a Lifetime Member of Lourdes Hospital Auxiliary, Member of Suburban Garden Club, Charity League, and St. Thomas More Altar Society. She enjoyed entertaining, bridge, travel, golf, and spending time with her family and friends in Naples, Florida.
She is survived by her four sons, George Douglas Edwards, Jr. (Andrea) of Memphis, TN, William Mark Edwards (Karen) of Paducah, Paul Thomas Edwards (Karen) of Clarksville, TN, Walter Francis (Pam) of Fernandina Beach, FL; one daughter, Mary Edwards Katz (Brian) of Paducah; 15 grandchildren, George Douglas Edwards, III (Susan), Nancy Elizabeth Edwards Bourne (Nathan), Margaret Elizabeth Edwards, William Mark Edwards, Jr. (Lana), Catherine Evan Edwards Brannen (Ben), Amy Elizabeth Edwards Traylor (Brian), Emily Ann Edwards, Zachary Cooper (Cece), Lauren Allard (Nick Hooten), Sydney Elizabeth Edwards, John James Edwards, Zoe Catherine Edwards, Elizabeth Dean Katz, Sarah Margaret Katz, Andrew Edward Katz; ten great-grandchildren, Mary Nell Edwards, George Douglas Edwards IV, Louisa Meriwether Bourne, Lucy Cate Brannen, Lilly Grace Traylor, Thomas Fate Traylor, Lucille Elizabeth Traylor, Caroline Syrene Hooten, Natalie Olivia Cooper, and Isaac Francis Cooper; two nephews, Honorable William J. Howerton, Captain Ralph Stowell, Jr; and one niece, Sarah Lubin.
The family wishes to thank her loyal and loving caregivers: Debra, Wanda, Regina, Katrina, Miguelina, Valeria, Blanche, Brooke, and Dabney.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 15, 2019 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Father Brad Whistle officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery.
Visitation is scheduled from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Friday, June 14, 2019 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 5645 Blandville Rd., Paducah, KY 42001.
You may leave a message of condolence or light a candle of remembrance at milnerandorr.com.
