Thelma M. Edwards

Mrs. Thelma Mae Edwards, 74, of Fort Valley, Georgia, peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Brightmoor Hospice.

Born on August 9, 1951, in Crawford County, Georgia, Thelma was the beloved daughter of the late Ruby Hicks Clark. She was also preceded in death by her three sisters, Carolyn Cliett, Brenda Clark, and Lavern Thorpe; two nephews, Darrell Cliett and Timothy Causey; one niece, Sheila Powell; one great-nephew, Malcolm Causey; father-in-law, A.J. Edwards Sr.; mother-in-law, Zodie Edwards; and brother in law, Alfred Edwards.

Thelma was a devoted servant of God and a faithful member of Spring Hill Community Church of the Living God in Byron, Georgia. Her unwavering faith was evident in both her words and her actions. She often declared, "I have been working for Jesus a long time, and I ain't tired yet. God has been so good to me."Those who knew her understood that these were not simply words. They were the testimony of a life fully devoted to Christ.

For many years, Thelma faithfully served as a choir member and financial officer at her church, where she received numerous honors and awards in recognition of her dedicated service. Blessed with a remarkable voice, singing was one of her greatest ministries. Whether leading favorites such as "Lily in the Valley," "Count Your Many Blessings," "Do Lord Remember Me," and “Spirit Fall Down”. She inspired congregations and often had worshippers on their feet, praising God through songs.

A proud graduate of Crawford County Comprehensive High School, Thelma dedicated 35 years of service to Blue Bird Body Company before retiring on December 15, 2016. Her strong work ethic, dependability, and kindness left a lasting impression on her coworkers and everyone who knew her.

On April 15, 1995, Thelma married the love of her life, Andrew Jackson Edwards, Jr. Their love story spanned more than 45 years, beginning with their courtship and continuing throughout their marriage. One of the most cherished memories of their wedding day was when Thelma serenaded Andrew. She sung the song “Wind beneath my wings” before her wedding vows. It was a beautiful reflection of the love and joy they shared throughout their lives.

Although Thelma had no biological children, she lovingly embraced the role of "second mother" to many of her nieces and nephews. She nurtured them with wisdom, encouraged them in their faith, and made sure they always felt protected, supported, and deeply loved. Her legacy is one of unwavering faith, selfless love, and steadfast devotion to both God and family.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her devoted husband, Andrew J. Edwards, Jr.; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Emma Causey, Alice (Bishop Benjamin) Tolbert, and Linda (Frank) Tallart; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Homer (Ann) Walker, Leon (Jackie) Clark Jr., John (Linda) Clark, and Fletcher (Rosa Lee) Clark; sisters-in-law, Dianne Rutherford, Cassandra Cotton, and Arita Edwards, along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Though she will be deeply missed, Thelma's legacy of faith, love, service, and joyful praise will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.