Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Elsie Nell Fondren Edwards

Elsie Nell Fondren Edwards was born December 14, 1945 to B.T. and Eva Mae Phelps Fondren and was welcomed home by her big brother, John Robert Fondren and four years later they welcomed their little brother, Jesse Harold Fondren. Elsie attended Ackerman Elementary and High School graduating in 1964. She went on to attend Wood Junior College.

She married the love of her life, Edgar Edwards, on July 5, 1968. They were later blessed with two daughters, Pam and Paula. In 2004, she patiently awaited the arrival of her only grandchild, Sara Grace, who was the joy of her life. Elsie was surrounded by her loving family as she went to meet her Savior on Sunday, June 11, exactly nine years to the day her loving husband Ed died.

Elsie was last employed by Choctaw County Schools where she faithfully served as a school bus driver for over 20 years. In her retirement years, she enjoyed traveling with her family and to her happy place was the Beach! After her cirrhosis diagnosis two years ago, she began praying daily to see Sara Grace graduate in May 2023. God granted her that desire.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years, Edgar, her parents, B.T. and Eva Mae Fondren, her brothers, John Robert Fondren and Jesse Harold Fondren, and her brother-in-law, Joe Edwards.

She is survived by her daughters, Pam Holdiness (Pete) of Ackerman, Paula Tribble (Dave) of Crowder, one granddaughter, Sara Grace Tribble of Crowder, two step granddaughters, Erin Breland (Matthew) of Newton and Laken Beam (Matthew) of Eupora, a special sister-in-law, Jewel Fondren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Elsie loved her special friends from Legacy Hospice, Kelsie White, Elise Hood, and Dena Kelly, who served her faithfully. Memorials can be sent to Legacy Hospice, Chester Baptist Church Cemetery or a charity of your choice.