Helen Louise (Bailey) Edwards

Helen Louise Bailey Edwards, age 82, of Erwin, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus on Sunday, September 24, 2023. She was a lifelong resident of Erwin and a daughter of the late Simon and Marie Byrd Bailey.

Helen retired from the Unicoi County School System in 2008 where she worked in the cafeteria at Love Chapel School and Unicoi County High School for over twenty years. She was affectionately called Granny by the students. Helen was a member of Jennie Moore Presbyterian Church where she formerly served as a Deacon and Elder. Also, Helen served as the Clerk of Session at the church. She was a member of the Nolachuckey-Grand View Order of Eastern Star. Helen served as the Executive Director of Unicoi County Care and Share for many years. She served on the Board of Directors at the Erwin Senior Citizens Center. Helen was also a member of Gideon’s International Auxiliary.

She was known for her delicious homemade candy and homemade baked goods which she sold alongside her sister-in-law, Ida Edwards and friend, Geri Arnold at the Unicoi County Apple Festival for over forty years. For many years, Helen helped prepare food for the Ramp Festival and she made her delicious desserts which were part of the ramp meal purchased by fesitval attendees. Helen had a servant’s heart, and her greatest joy came from helping others. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of nineteen years, Ralph Edwards on August 16, 1988, and one brother, Jack Bailey.

Helen leaves behind to cherish many wonderful memories, her daughters: Anna Marie Bryant (Kevin) of Crossville and Tammy Tipton (Jamie), of Erwin; four grandsons: Thomas Zebedee Tipton, Andrew Carter Bryant, Philip Grant Bryant, and Thaddaeus James Tipton; brother, Warren L. “Chuck” Bailey, of Erwin; sisters: Pauline Beaty (Don) of Chesterfield, IN and Leota Letterman, of Telford; sister-in-law, Mabel Edwards, of Erwin; several nieces and nephews as well as numerous friends also survive.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 01, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home. Pastor Kevin Laws will officiate the 7:00 p.m. funeral service. Committal will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday in the Evergreen Cemetery with Dr. Angus Shaw and Pastor Kevin Laws officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Bryant, Jamie Tipton, Zeb Tipton, Andrew Bryant, Philip Bryant, Thaddaeus Tipton, Gary Tilson, Gary Tipton and Steve Shealy. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:55 a.m. on Monday. 

Flowers will be accepted however, those wishing can make memorial contributions to: Unicoi County Care and Share 344 Carolina Ave., Erwin, TN 37650 or Gideon’s International www.sendtheword.org

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Edwards family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Edwards family. (423) 743-1380.

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