Joan Edwards Obituary

Sarah Joan Edwards, 88, passed away on July 6, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Ok at home under the care of Hospice and her family. The family wants to thank all the compassionate caregivers from Mercy Hospital, St Ann's Skilled Nursing and Good Shepherd Hospice.
Joan was born on September 23, 1935, in Edwardsville, Illinois. She was the youngest of 3 girls and she adored her father, who was a Nazarene pastor for 45 years. Her parents were delighted that she had a beautiful voice and loved singing hymns. Joan was very tender-hearted with just a touch of mischief. Giggling, she used to recall the days her two sisters and her rode the one bicycle they owned – all together.
Joan attended Olivet Nazarene University where she met Jim in the registration line. She married James (Jim) Lee Edwards on June 11, 1954.
She was a dedicated homemaker, and her greatest joy was raising her children. It was amazing that she could fix anything; if you needed a button sewn on, the lamp or TV wasn't working, or the lawn mower needed repaired. She did also work outside the home at times: as a buyer for John A Brown's, designing catalogs for candy and pecan companies, assisted with the start-up of Russell Stover's commercial distribution and she had a couple of her own small companies. But most important to her was serving her God, family and friends.
Joan has spent many years at Bethany First Church; she has been a long-time active member of the Nazarene Church. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and was part of the Women's Ministry. She was always very intentional regarding her devotions and especially her prayer life. She had a true servant's heart.
Joan was always polished. Always wearing white. Always had a gentle word. Always a little squeeze. She grinned with her mouth and smiled with her eyes. Even to the very end, passing peacefully, surrounded by intense Love.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Florence McDonough; and sister, Jeanette Campbell.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Edwards; daughters, Debbie Tunnell and husband, Bob, and Billie Snow and husband, Charles; son, Tom Edwards and wife, Jan; sister, Sylvia Banks; grandchildren, Tiffany, Natalie, Valerie, Whitney, Chance, Tawney, Jeremiah, Jason and Jordan; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 9 from 12:00-8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 –7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 10 10:00 a.m. at Mercer-Adams Chapel.
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