Ruth Elyse Edwards

HENDERSON- Ruth Elyse Edwards, 77, of Fernwood Creek Court, died Monday, February 3, 2025 at Maria Parham Health. Born May 19, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Evelyn Knight Edwards and Edgar Marvin Edwards, who she adored, thought looked like movie stars and always told the best stories about. Speaking of stories, Ruth had a very creative, artistic side. She loved reading and writing which led to a career in teaching where she shared her passion and inspired students of all ages at Vance Granville Community College as an instructor and coordinator for more than ten years. She didn’t just teach though, she got involved in her student’s lives! If they had a problem, she is who they went to and she helped many of them navigate huge obstacles because she wanted them to feel cared for and be successful. Most of them called her “Mom”. She also loved Jesus! Throughout her life she studied His Word, worshiped Him with her beautiful voice; celebrated His sacrifice at many church homes. Her discipleship began at First United Methodist Church of Henderson where she grew up and remained a member into her adulthood. At FUMC, she led Bible studies, sang in the choir and brought both of her children to the Lord. She also felt inspired to put that creativity and storytelling to use for His glory and create a special segment of the FUMC Sunday Service just for the littlest of God’s flock, which she called “Children’s Church.” She invited children to join her at the altar and brought Bible stories to life with hands-on-activities…her magic even worked on the adults listening! When life took her young family to Danville, VA, she attended Fairview Methodist, where she was equally active. At the time of her death, she was a member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church and most recently attended Clearview Church where she was thrilled to hear her daughter Christy and her grandson, David sing about their love for our Savior. Perhaps Ruth’s biggest love of all was her family, of whom she was very proud. She is survived by two daughters, Christine Ruth Edwards (yep named after her mama and just as stubborn) and husband, Brian of Henderson and Amy Swisher (not named after her but gosh does she look like her and got her temper!) and husband, Kenny of Stoneville; four grandchildren (who if you stood still for more than a second, you were gonna hear stories about and probably see pictures!) David Williamson, Jacob Swisher, Kendall Elyse (yep, she’s named after her Nana too!) Swisher and Essie Swisher; three step-grandchildren (who she loved like her own), Dylan Edwards, Hannah Edwards and Joshua Edwards; a sister (who drove her crazy when they were younger but became a good friend in adulthood), Rachel Hedrick of Henderson; her niece, Evelyn Hedrick; her nephew, Brad Hedrick; dear friends (chosen family), Ray Patterson and Olga Palmer; and the father of her daughters, Greg Tapson. She also loved and spoiled her precious feline children, Sage and Rosemary, who she talked to all day, every day! In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her twin sister, Rebecca Edwards. Ruth and Rebecca were two peas in a pod for sure! When they were little they thrived on tricking people about which twin was which-there are countless stories! As they grew up, life took them in different directions, but they found their way back to each other. They loved each other deeply, making it through all kinds of hard times together, which made that twin bond even fiercer! They eventually moved into side-by- side condos in their later years so that they could always look out for each other but mostly because they couldn’t bear to be apart. A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at Clearview Church by Dr. Abidan Shah. The family looks forward to receiving friends to hear and tell all the stories about this unique, wonderful, creative, thoughtful woman on Sunday at 2:00 P.M. until the beginning of the 3:00 P.M. service at Clearview Church. Until then, friends are welcome to share their condolences with family members at Ruth’s home, 109 Fernwood Creek Court, Henderson, NC, 27536. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Vance County Animal Shelter.