Betty Hardee Edwards

Betty Edwards, affectionately known as Betty Lou, departed this world and entered her Heavenly home, on December 1, 2024, at the cherished home of her daughter and son in law. She was born on September 21, 1932, in Columbus County, North Carolina, and lived a vibrant life that was echoed with warmth, love, and unwavering spirit.  Betty grew up in a Christian home and took that throughout her life showing her love for the Lord to others, teaching her family biblical values, and the importance of keeping the Lord first in their life.

Betty was a proud graduate of Kings College Business in Charlotte, North Carolina, concluding her formal education in 1953. Her life was characterized by industriousness and strong values, traits that she embodied throughout her years. She worked in the insurance industry as a title clerk and several car dealerships ordering cars.  After her retirement, she found joy in serving others at Food Lion in Mt. Holly, where her engaging personality and zest for life made her a beloved figure among her patrons. Her passion for beautiful flowers was evident in her meticulously kept yard, where she could be found mowing the grass well into her middle 80s.

A true enthusiast, Betty had an unwavering love for Elvis Presley, a passion that led her to attend his concerts on four glorious occasions in Charlotte. The joy and excitement she derived from these experiences reflected her larger-than-life persona. Christmas was another time of note for Betty, as she relished in the art of decorating, transforming her home into a festive haven to welcome family and friends.

Betty lost her youngest son, Timothy, at the young age of 48, to a drug addiction leaving behind 4 children. Statistics show that children of parents with drug addictions are 8 times more likely to develop an addiction themselves. Betty was determined that her grandchildren would not be a part of that statistic. Beginning in their youngest years, she sacrificed her time, her peace, and her retirement to raise her grandchildren and give them the motherly love they never had. Although it was hard at times, she willingly chose to raise each of them because of the love she had in her heart. Instilling the same love and care in them, she taught them everything about life and molded them into the young successful adults they have become today.

Betty’s life was enriched by her devotion to her family. She is survived by her loving children, Ed Edwards and wife Shelley, Kay Deal and husband John; her grandchildren that she raised as her own children, Skyler Rhinehart and husband Casey, Drew Edwards and fiancé, Ali, as well as Chase Edwards and fiancé Alexis, and Jayden Edwards.  Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, including John Edwards, Mike Deal and wife Jennifer, Heather Campbell and husband Michael, along with her great-grandchildren: Kaila McHenry and husband Andrew, Isabel Rios, Ian, Katelyn, Keegan Deal, Nova Campbell, Adelyne, Cason, Freedom, Forest Rhinehart, and Wesley Campbell. The bonds she shared with her niece Jean Campbell and husband Tom, as well as Tommy Campbell and wife Kelley, Shelley Stipp and husband Joe, Joey and Benjamin Stipp, along with many cousins who were treasured connections that brought her much joy.

Betty's journey was not without its sorrows. In addition to her son, Timothy Edwards, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elwin Edwards; her parents, Carl and Grethal Hardee; and her brother, Floyd Hardee. Each loss carved a space in her heart, yet her resilience shone through, reflecting her strength in times of adversity.

Full of life and blessed with good health for most of her life, Betty was a passionate follower of politics and proudly supported her favored candidates, including her steadfast support for Donald Trump, a sentiment she joyously shared during her outings to vote with her daughter and son-in-law.

Betty Edwards leaves behind more than just a legacy of memories; she leaves a family bound by love, a community touched by kindness, and a spirit that will forever inspire those who had the privilege to know her. Her engaging presence and faithful spirit will be profoundly missed but will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to be a part of her remarkable life.

To honor the life of Betty, a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at Catawba Heights Baptist Church, Belmont, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Carolina Caring Hospice (formerly Gaston Hospice), 2240 Remount Rd Gastonia, NC 28054.