Gatha Joyce Edwards

Gatha Joyce Edwards

Pelahatchie, MS

Gatha Joyce “Sister” Edwards, 96, died June 21, 2024, at Mississippi Care Center in Scott County.

Born October 2, 1927, Gatha was preceded in death by her husband, Bromberg Edwards, her parents, Jim Jerkins and Ada Sims King, and two brothers, Delowen “Ducky” Longgrear and William Longgrear. She is survived by four siblings: Bernard King (Rebecca), Frances Hicks (Don), Mary Garland (David), and Jimmy Jerkins (Marilyn).

A lifelong resident of the Rehobeth/Leesburg community, Gatha loved her family and friends and was much loved in return. She and Brom married in 1942 while he was home on leave from the Navy during World War II. They went to the courthouse in Brandon and got a license, then drove around town until they found a church. They knocked on the parsonage door and the preacher agreed to marry them in the foyer with his wife as the witness. Sixty years later, Gatha said that was the best crazy thing she ever did.

Gatha loved everything to do with homemaking. She sewed, unholstered furniture, worked in her yard and garden, and even laid tile in her kitchen. She especially enjoyed cooking. Brom always said she knew she had enough cooked when the bowls would touch on the table.

Brom and Gatha did not have children, but she was a surrogate mother to her brothers and sister. Bernard’s children, who grew up next door, considered her a bonus grandmother because she was always available for babysitting and bicycle rides.

Gatha enjoyed excellent health until two years ago when a stroke made it necessary to enter a nursing home. She loved everyone at MSCC and often commented how lucky she was to have such great care, considering all the staff her friends. Her family appreciates the love and compassion given her. In addition, we thank Hospice for making her homegoing easy and peaceful.

Services for Gatha will be at Leesburg Baptist Church Sunday, June 23, with visitation in the sanctuary at 1:00 pm, followed by the funeral at 2:00. Officiating will be Reverend T. J. Bates and Reverend Don Lum.

Pall Bearers will be David Garland, Chuck King, Tony King, Derek Martin, Charlie Smith and Chuck Smith.

Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton is honored to serve the Edwards family.