Frances Gayle Edwards

Frances Gayle Edwards, 80 of Benton, KY died on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Lake Way Nursing & Rehabilitation in Benton.

Born Friday, March 10, 1944 in Brownsville, TX, she was the daughter of the late Marvin Richards and the late Faye (Timmons) Richards. She was the wife of the late Douglas Edwards.

In November of 1977, Gayle decided to bring her love for books to Murray Kentucky, opening a location of the Book Rack on Chestnut Street where The Crossroads restaurant is located. She was able to share her love for books with the community and made new friends for 11 years before outgrowing that location.

In 1988 Gayle decided to move the store to what used to be Dixieland Shopping Center behind Hardee's. During her time at Dixieland, she hosted many events featuring authors of all genres from local to award-winning authors such as Jude Deveraux. Her love for books and the Murray community continued to grow over the years.

In the early 2000's a decision was made to tear down the shopping center forcing many of the businesses to either close or relocate. It was then that Gayle went on the hunt for a new location to keep the bookstore open so she could continue spreading joy and the love for books to readers of all ages.


In 2002 the current location in Murray opened its door at 519 South 12th Street in the same building as Benson's Sporting Goods. Gayle went on to grow and expand not only the store but her friends in the community. She continued to serve the area up until 2018 when she decided to hang her hat up and retire. Gayle handed the reins over to her granddaughter to continue the family business while still stopping in to catch up with customers from time to time.


She is survived by her son, Craig Edwards of Benton, KY; daughter, Johnna Smith of Benton, KY; sister, Linda Langford of Nashville, TN; grandchildren. Ashley Smith husband Joe, Matthew Smith, Samantha Lavender husband William, Tyler Edwards wife Brandi, Travis Edwards wife Madison; and 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Steven Richards; sister, Kim Richards; and daughter in law, Robin Edwards.

A graveside service will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at New Zion Cemetery located at 2796 Wadesboro Rd. S. Benton, KY 42025 with Rev. Kendrick Lewis officiating. Burial will follow the service.

There will be no public visitation.

Collier Funeral Home and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.