It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Jean Edwards of Newport News, VA. Born January 7th 1931 in Lincoln County, MS. Betty was proceeded in death by her late husband Harold Wayne Edwards of Poquoson, VA. She has been a resident of Newport News since 1954 where she retired as a Career Information Specialist with the Virginia Employment Commission.

Betty is survived by her children, Ronald E. Sullivan and wife (Pam), Richard W. Sullivan, Karen S. Owens and husband (Bobby), Jacqueline A. Smith and Charles (Chuck) Eddins Jr., and Brian Keith Edwards and wife (Michelle). She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Known for her infectious and bubbly personality, Betty will be dearly missed by all that knew her. Betty had a talent and passion for many things. Among these were her love of crocheting, bowling, and traveling. In fact Betty would be ready in a minute’s notice if you asked her to go on a trip. Betty also loved music and dancing. She would look for any chance to dance. One of her fondest memories was when she got to do the twist on stage with Chubby Checker at Busch Gardens. She loved gardening. If you visited her home she always had a beautiful garden with a different variety of flowers and plants. It didn’t matter what time of year it was she always had something in bloom. That love of flowers also led to her business of making flower arrangements for weddings along side her sister Eva who made the cakes. Betty also loved to teach. One of the greatest love of her life was the opportunity she had to help teach all whom she met about the wonderful hope that she had and that all mankind has in Gods Kingdom. She spent over 30 years as a pioneer as one of Jehovahs Witnesses where she regularly engaged in Bible studies, going door to door, telephone calls and letter writing to help her neighbors have a wonderful hope for the very near future. We will miss her immensely but look forward to the promise from the Bible which confirms at Acts 24:15. “Do not be amazed at this,” Jesus assures us, “for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28, 29) It was Betty’s sincere hope that all would take hold of this free gift available to all mankind and be on hand to welcome her back in that promised new world that is promised at (Rev. 21:1-5) where we will never see death and sorrow again.