Emily “Gayle” Edwards, 76, passed away peacefully at home on December 6, 2021, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born in Dillon County, SC, January 18, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Louise Coleman. She was a member of Latta Baptist Church after moving her membership from her home church, Catfish Creek Baptist, where she served for many years as a children’s Sunday school teacher. She was a devout christian who found the good in everyone she met.
Gayle was married to her high school sweetheart, Carl, for 56 years. She was a devoted wife and mother. She always put her family’s needs before her own. Gayle enjoyed going to the beach with her girls as they were growing up and then shared Carl’s passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles once they had an empty nest. She and Carl took many mountain trips over the years. Whatever made him happy, made her happy. She also loved the outdoors, bird watching, butterflies and swinging, but being a nana to her 6 grandchildren brought her the most joy.
Gayle was a graduate of Latta High School and the Betty Stevens school of cosmetology and began her career in Charlotte, N.C. before moving back to Latta. After working with other cosmetologists in the area, she opened her own beauty shop, House of Beauty, where she ended her career after 50+ years. She worked hard to provide for her family and give her girls the best childhood with many fun experiences. She supported them and their hobbies every step of the way. She also taught her girls the importance of Church and to always put God first.
Gayle is survived by her husband, Carl Edwards, daughters, Shelley Pritchett (Stuart) of Murrells Inlet, Carla Shelley (Stacy) of Latta, and Holly Davis (Jay) of Florence; grandchildren, Jessica and Jacob Pritchett, Emily and Dylan Shelley, and Bella and Harrison Davis; one brother, Harold Coleman Jr. (Sylvia); two sisters, Nancy Reece (Roger), and Joyce Kennedy (Terry); sister-in-law, Ione Allen; brother-in-law, Paul Edwards (Helen) and many nieces and nephews.
Gayle was preceded in death by her father, Harold Coleman, and mother, Louise Shelley Coleman; two sisters, Polly Virginia Coleman, and Shelva Jean Young (Bill); and brother-in-law, Glenn Allen.
A special thanks goes to Agape Hospice Care and nurse, Shannon Carter, and special caregivers, Jackie, Jan, Sheila, Margie and Sherry for their care, compassion and support.
The family will receive friends at the residence of Carl Edwards, 892 Hwy 917 E., Latta. A graveside memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Magnolia Cemetery directed by Cooper Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1039 44th Ave., N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.