Stella Marie Woolard Edwards, 88, died on August 28, 2016 at her residence at 1702 N. Market St., Washington, where she had lived for the past 40 years.

The memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 1732 N. Market St., Washington, on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow immediately after the services at her home.

Stella was born on August 28, 1928 to Charlie and Alice Woolard. She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings.

She was married to James Z. Edwards on November 3, 1946, and they were happily married until his death in September of 2009.

She is survived by all four of her children, James Edwards Jr. and his wife Linda of Spartanburg, SC, David Edwards and his wife Carol of Washington, NC, Karen Harris and her husband Dale, of Fayetteville, NC, and Ellen Bowen and her husband Scott, of Hookerton, NC.

She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Stella loved the outdoors, spending much time in keeping her yard beautified. Her yard, an elevated lot across from Oakdale Cemetery, features many azalea bushes and dogwood trees that she had cultivated over the years. She was also fond of dogs and was known for the way she cared for her animals. She truly exemplified what the Bible says at Proverbs 12:10, “The righteous one takes care of his domestic animals.”

Stella took her Christian faith very seriously. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in February 1952, and she and her husband counted as among their most treasured accomplishments that they had taught the Bible and Christian faith to a number of people in the area.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Edwards family.