Edith Stearns, 83, of Arab, died April 1 at Marshall Medical Center North in Guntersville. Edith Mae Foote was born in Hartselle, AL to Velma (Roberson) and Rev. James Ruel Foote. She graduated from Morgan County High School in 1956.
After her first marriage to Jack Slate and the birth of their son, Geoffrey, in 1961, Edith began her career in computer programming and systems analysis at General Electric Computer Dept. in 1962 in Huntsville, then at Computer Sciences Corp. in 1966. In February 1968 she began working at Univac (later Sperry, Unisys) in Huntsville as an associate member of the programming technical staff, and retired from Unisys in 1994 as Sr. Systems Analyst, Defense Systems Operations (US Army Missile Command Battlefield Automation Management Directorate). During her career she worked on numerous Dept. of Defense and NASA/MSFC contracts, including Mariner Spacecraft, Space Shuttle Orbiter, and Patriot Missile Defense Systems, writing operational programs and providing system software support and security.
In 1992 Edith married Stephen Stearns. They spent 20 happy years together, sharing adventures, hosting super bowl parties, visiting family and friends, and doting on their grandchildren. She was a member of Arab First United Methodist Church.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Steve; a sister, Louise Foote Hartselle; twin brother, Auburn Foote; and nephew Timothy Foote.
Survivors include son Geoffrey Slate (Christy); grandchildren Meredith Slate, Margaret Slate, and Charles Slate; former husband Jack Slate; nieces Kim Foote Haines (Bob), Penny Foote White, Patricia Hartselle Maples (Wade), and nephew James Hartselle (Rosemarie). The family wishes to express deepest gratitude to special devoted friend Wanda Davis, and the Visiting Angels caregivers.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 1 at 11:00 am at Salem United Methodist Church in Hartselle, Rev. Nicky James officiating.
