Mother Ruth Ann Edwards, nee Thomas, 88, of Lebanon, ILr born Oct. 25, 1923, in Lexington, MS, died Saturday, July 7, 2012 at her residence.
She was a domestic worker for the Pfeffer Family in Lebanon, IL for many years. She was a private sitter at Nursing Homes for sev eral years, also. She was a member of Pentecostal Power Church, Lebanon, IL, where she was. (1) a former 1st Lady, (2) an active missionary, (3) a sponsor for Feed the Children” summer program , (4) an active supporter of St. Jude Hospital, (5) active pastor’s aide worker, and (6) active in Young People’s Willing Workers of the Mid-western District of the Pentecostal Power Churches, Inc. She was a virtuous woman and good mother. She had an “open door” kitchen policy. She also was a foster parent.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Leonia Thomas; her husband, Bishop Robert Edwards, whom she married on Sept. 5, 1954in Caruthersville, MO; a son, Emmitt Edwards; a daughter, Ruth Ann Berry; and several brothers and sisters.
Surviving are her nine children. Sylvester (Rita) Edwards of New Orleans, LA, Rev. Doris Edwards of Lebanon, IL, Missionary Janet Brooks of Belleville, Il, Brenda (Michael) Ledet, of Ville Platte, LA, Robert Edwards, Jr., of Lebanon, IL, Evangelist Delorice Edwards of Belleville, Il, Darlene Baker of Belleville. IL, Charles (Debra) Lus ter of O’Fallon, IL, Mark Luster of Cahokia. IL, daughter-in-law Geria Edwards of East St. Louis, IL, goddaughter Naya Bennett of Lebanon, IL, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces nephews, cousins, and friends.
