Rosemary Kay Edwards
d. October 6, 2017
Rosemary Wallace Edwards, 60, died Friday, October 6, at her home in Columbus, MS. Rosemary was born the fifth of six children to James O’Neill and Mary Wallace on September 21, 1957, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and grew up in Nashville and St. Louis. The daughter of a minister, “Rosie” accompanied her parents around the world on mission work in her youth, forming a lifelong love of travel. When, in the early 70s, the church brought the Wallace family to Mississippi, Rosie met her future husband Joel, who immediately knew she was “the One” when the twinkle in her eyes met his. Joel and Rosemary were married on November 20, 1976, and had sons Carey and Shaun soon after. While raising two young sons, Rosemary got her nursing degree and later went on to receive Bachelor’s degrees in both nursing and information technology. A registered nurse for 37 years, Rosie had recently retired from legal nursing, and though a dedicated and loyal employee, her focus in life was on being a wife and mother, later adding the treasured titles of mother-in-law and “Meme” as well. A talented artist and a fierce competitor on the tennis court, Rosie was up for trying anything and had a knack for conquering whatever new hobby she picked up. Be it biking, hiking, or tending the flower garden she planted for her adored grandchildren, Rosie was most at home outdoors. She especially loved when the outdoors included a view of the ocean, leaving behind a large collection of seashells from her many long walks along the beach. An active member of Vibrant Church and having professed her faith in Christ at an early age, we believe Rosie’s beach view is now infinitely better as she dances with Jesus along the shore.
Rosemary is reunited in death with her parents and is survived by her husband, Joel Edwards, sons Carey (Mary Martha) and Shaun (Sally) Edwards, and grandchildren Sam, Abby, Miriam, Annie, and Gracie, all of Columbus; sister Margie (Jerry) McNall and brothers Jim (Beverly), Jack (JoAnne), and Joe (Carla) Wallace, all of Nashville; brother Jeff Wallace of Knoxville, TN; brothers-in-law David (Brenda) Edwards, of Corinth, and Nathan (Lana) Edwards, of Brooksville; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Rosie will be missed by many and remembered for her sweet, kind, and gentle spirit and for her infectious smile that was known to light up a room.
A celebration of life was held Sunday, October 8, at Vibrant Church West with Brother Steve Blaylock and Pastor Ron Delgado officiating. Burial followed at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brad Edwards, Morgan Edwards, Sam Edwards, Brandt Galloway, Kevin McNall, Bart Wallace, Jason Wallace, Matt Wallace, and Josh Watson. Memorials may be made to the charity of donor’s choice.
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