Joan Evelyn Vanderford Edwards departed this life for her heavenly reward in the early morning hours of Monday, April 29, 2024 from The Manor on Lawndale (Avon Lea) where she had resided the last seven years as her health declined. Joan was born on November 7, 1932 in Tupelo. She was educated at Tupelo High School and attended many continuing education courses over her lifetime. In 1953, she married John Hollis Edwards of the Union Community south of Plantersville, a union of 64 years until his death on July 4, 2017. Joan and John made their home in the Plantersville area most of their lives. She had a most successful career in the Credit Reporting Industry (Equifax), being the first woman to earn and secure the title of Regional Manager. Joan was strong, intelligent, independent thinking as a businesswoman, and attained many recognitions over her years breaking the “glass ceiling” on advancement in her industry. She was always dressed to the 9s, had a sweet disposition, and made things happen professionally and personally during her life. A longtime member of the First Baptist Church-Plantersville, she enjoyed bible study to strengthen her spiritual journey and faithfully serving the Lord. After retirement, she and John enjoyed travel, camping, boating and fishing every river, creek and stream they could as frequently as they could. They cherished the time spent at their home on Mill Creek at Pickwick but their greatest joy was doting over their only grandchild, Hollis. A cat lover, Joan rescued and loved many cats over her lifetime.
The family has requested a private service to celebrate Joan’s life and homegoing. She will be interred in the Union Cemetery south of Plantersville in the Edwards family plot. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to serve their friends and neighbors.
Joan leaves to remember her wonderful life, her son, John Phillip “Phil” Edwards and his wife, Cindy of Tupelo, and their beloved grandson, Hollis of Plantersville, and extended relatives on the Edwards and Vanderford sides. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, and a sister, Faye Kendrick. Gratitude and thanks is extended to her Gentiva Hospice caregivers, Carrie and Lindsey, who lovingly met all her end of life needs.
The family asks that memorials be made in Joan’s memory to First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 484, Plantersville, MS. 38862, Tupelo-Lee Humane Shelter, P. O. Box 2143, Tupelo, MS 38803, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Way, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.
