Thelma Grace James Edwards

Thelma Grace James Edwards of Hopewell, Va. departed Brighter Living and went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 19, 2017. She was born October 9, 1919 in Surry County and had made her home in Hopewell since 1950. She was the daughter of the late J. Hayden and Grace Lane James and the widow of Wilbur S. Edwards, formerly of Surry County and also preceded in death by her daughter, Joyce Hayden Edwards Southerland and her husband, John Claudius Southerland; her brothers, H. Lane James of Surry & Joseph H James, Jr. and his wife, Laura Saunders of Raleigh N.C.; and sister, Edith James White & her husband, Franklin White of Waverly, Va; and her daughter-in-law, Cherie Weaver Edwards of Chester, Va.
She is survived by her son, Steve Douglas Edwards of Chester; grandson, Keith Alan Southerland; granddaughter, Kathy Southerland Tyler; great-grandchildren, Megan Leigh O’Neill and Coleman Patrick O’Neill; and nieces, Elaine Galloway and Lavania J. Vaughn; and nephew, Hayden James; and numerous cousins and a number of treasured friends.
She was past Clerical Secretary of Powers Memorial Baptist Church, presently was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and served as church treasurer, Sunday school clerk and their choir member for many years. She was also a seamstress and alteration lady for numerous Hopewell and tri-city residents, making many valuable friends through the years.
A graveside service will be performed at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Appomattox Cemetery in Hopewell with Reverend Robert Livesay officiating.
In lieu of flowers, a remembrance donation may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 3808 Woodlawn St. Hopewell Va. 23860. Attention: Swift-Baum Christian Education Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .