Eunice Beatrice Edwards

Though her smile is gone forever and her hand we cannot touch We still have so many memories of the one we loved so much. Eunice "BEATRICE" Drew Edwards, 96, affectionately known as Momma Bea, Bea, Auntie Bea and Miss Bea, entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hampton, VA. Beatrice was born August 11, 1925, in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. She was the daughter, and last surviving child, of the late Robert Henry and Annie Dora Drew. Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Edwards, Jr., and her son, Frank Douglas Edwards. She married Frank Edwards, Jr., in 1948, and from that union they were blessed with four children: Frank D. Edwards, Phyllis Edwards Pugh, Linda Edwards Johnson, and Chris Edwards Johnson. Beatrice began her Christian education as a child at Cypress Baptist Church in Surry, Virginia, later joining Hill Street Baptist Church, now known as Main Street Baptist Church, in Smithfield, Virginia. She served faithfully on the Senior Usher Board and was an active member of the VIVIDS. She loved fellowshipping with members of the VIVIDS and attending noon day Bible Study sessions at the church Beatrice was a wonderful and supportive mother who taught her children and grandchildren strong Christian values. She valued education and was able to witness her four children's graduation from colleges and universities, and to see her grandchildren attend college and obtain various levels of degrees. She is survived by eight grandchildren: Dr. Kimberly Pugh, Dr. Devin Pugh-Thomas, Blake E. Johnson, Austyn E. Johnson, Christen Erika Johnson, Vincent T. Johnson, Jr., Kyle J. Edwards and Morgan C. Edwards. Beatrice never stopped learning and educating herself, starting from her time at Godwin School and lasting throughout her adult life. She was an avid reader and Bible scholar who also enjoyed word puzzles. Her other hobbies included vegetable gardening, sewing, preparing home cooked meals, and baking — especially lemon pound and chocolate cakes. A very patient instructor, she often taught others how to prepare those very complicated fruit cake recipes. Beatrice worked in food service at Smithfield High until her retirement. Left to cherish her memories are her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other family members and friends. Her memory is now our keepsake, which we'll never part. God has her in His keeping, we have her in our hearts. SADLY MISSED, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Main Street Baptist Church, Smithfield. Interment following service at Tynes Memorial Cemetery, Berry Hill Road, Smithfield, VA Public viewing will take place one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Please keep the Edwards family in your prayers. View Memorial Video