In dimension of time, she is without limit. In love, she is constant. In definition, she is the composite of the love and generosity she gave and with reciprocity, received … With Infinite Love, Your Children.

Edith Underhill Rodman, age 84, died peacefully in her home on the Pamlico River on April 20, 2017. A celebration of Edith’s life will be held 3:00 pm Friday, April 28, 2017, at the Rodman family plot in Oakdale Cemetery, 180 East 15th Street, Washington. A reception will be held immediately following the service at The Meeting Place Cafe & Catering, 225 West Main Street, Washington.

Born May 14, 1932, Edith came into the world the second child of Corinna and Edwin Underhill of Wake County. From the beginning, she embodied the determination, the independence, the wisdom and the passion for those she loved that would define her life. Before the age of 10, Edith had made several trips by herself, and without her parents’ knowledge, to the family doctor; had read every book in the children’s section of Raleigh’s Olivia Raney Library twice, forcing a move to the adult section; and physically defended a male schoolmate from the playground bullies, resulting in her infamous “football knee” that forever caused her problems. By her early twenties, this mother of four defied the norm and joined the workforce, embarking on a very successful career with the NC Bar Association. It was during this time that she met Edward Newton Rodman who, years later, would become the love of her life. Edith’s journey became difficult as she faced some of life’s challenges, including the tragic death of her youngest child, Clyde Louis Dark, in January of 1976. A few years after Clyde’s death, Edith reconnected with Ed, and they were married in Washington on April 15, 1979. Throughout her life, Edith remained an avid reader, an outstanding cook, a world traveler and an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Jane Dark Davis (Philip) of Zebulon, Betsy Fairlee Dark of Cary and William Thomas Dark (Joan) of Raleigh; her stepchildren, Anne Rodman Helm (Greg), Thomas Rodman (Joyce) and Edward Ford Rodman (Agnes); 9 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. In addition to her parents, Edith was predeceased by her beloved husband Ed; her son, Clyde; and her sister, Josephine Underhill Chalifour.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to The Little Washington Sailing School, PO Box 1865, Washington, NC 27889. Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 East, Washington, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Rodman family.