Emma “Jean” Brake Edge
February 4, 1933 ~ July 4, 2017
ROCKY MOUNT - Emma Jean Brake Edge, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on February 4, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Luther Brake and Emma Flye Brake; brothers, Ed Brake and wife, Martha; Robert Earl Brake and wife, Margaret; Sam Brake and wife, Stanton; Tom Brake and wife, Madeline; and sister, Mabel Davis and husband, George.
A woman of great faith, Jean was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount as well as a certified lay person and an ordained Elder with the church. Jean was also a charter member of Englewood Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed traveling to preach for Presbytery of New Hope as well as for other small churches across eastern North Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in education from East Carolina Teachers College and her Masters in Education from UNC Chapel Hill. Later she went on to study at the South-Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jean had a passion for both teaching and spreading the word as was evident when she would teach Sunday school. During the summer months, she enjoyed volunteering for the Red Cross to teach swimming lessons and she had done this for many years. As an associate professor for North Carolina Wesleyan College, she taught many students throughout her career in the colleges physical education department. She was a 1999 inaugural inductee to North Carolina Wesleyan Colleges Athletic Hall of Fame. Her dedication to education led to a portion of Wesleyan Colleges gymnasium and softball field being named in her honor for being the first head softball and womens basketball coach in the schools history.
Jean leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband of 60 years, Robert “Frank” Edge; and daughter, Lisa Louise Edge, of Okinawa, Japan; a son, Robert Walker Edge (Renee`) of Alamo, GA. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren Meredith Christina Edge of Statesboro, GA and Evan Harrison Edge of Brunswick, GA.
A Celebration of Jeans Life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services with the Reverend Bettie Kirkpatrick officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the services in the Atrium of Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jeans name to The First Presbyterian Church, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804; Alzheimers Association, Eastern NC, 3737 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612; or NC Wesleyan College; Physical Education Majors Scholarship Fund, 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 7/8, 3:00 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 7/8, 2:00 pm
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The picture of Jean is so evocative of her spirit and joy. I feel I can hear her laugh. It was always fun to visit with her and Uncle Frank and whatever dog was there at the time. So many memories she would share, some of which involved me or my family, some of her growing up, almost always accompanied by that great laugh. My girls remember learning to swim under Aunt Jean’s instruction. God rest her soul and give peace to her family. Evelyn Weems
I attended Wesleyan from 1977 to 1981. It was my privilege to know Coaches Edge, Bauer and Scalf. What an amazing group of educators they were! Mrs. Edge taught me four PE classes Badminton, Golf, Tennis and Bowling so I had a class with her for four semesters. She was a great teacher and I try to remember everything she taught me whenever I address the ball. She wasn’t easy. I had to work hard to get an A in her class. She didn’t give them away. So sorry for her family and friends. I will always remember her and my time at Wesleyan fondly.
Cousin Emma Jean Brake Edge was always so friendly and thoughtful when we would see her at the annual Brake Family Reunion. She had a way of making each of us feel special. Unfortunately, I have not been to a reunion since Daddy (Ralph Jr) died 21 years ago, so it has been many years since I last saw Emma Jean, but she had made a lasting impression. She was a serious swimming coach and taught my siblings and me how to swim. Emma Jean and Frank were a terrific couple with two incredible children, Lisa and Walker. I pray that God will grant you peace and acceptance as her long battle has come to a close and she is finally free. God bless you. Cousin Scottie Brake (Raleigh, NC)
What a wonderful lady Mrs Edge was. She touched the lives of many at N. C. Wesleyan. She was always happy and smiling. Her kindness will be remembered by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mr. Edge. May you and your children find comfort in some wonderful memories.
Lisa (and family)- I am sending prayers of comfort and peace your way. I loved your mom! She was always smiling! Growing up, she was an adult that always listened intently on everything I had to say, like it was so important! She was a special lady and is smiling in heaven now! I’m sorry that I’m out of town but would love to see you sometime! Meg
Emma Jean and I shared a birthday and were Brake cousins. There are many of us in Edgecombe county and around the country. I remember Emma Jean as an enthusiastic, energetic, joyful person. Rest in peace, Emma Jean. Prayers for he family. Helen Brake (McGrath_
What a fine lady and educator. She always had a smile of her face. There are many students that Mrs. Edge had in class that are better people because of her. My father thought the world of Jean and enjoyed working with her for many years. I can only imagine the laughs and fun times she, Coach Scalf and Dad had. The three of them are now together again with our Lord and Savior. My best to Mr. Edge, Walker and Lisa. Paul Bauer
Mrs Edge was such an important part of my life while at Wesleyan and for years after I graduated. She and Debbie Allison were the reason I knew I wanted to make NCWC my new home. And then I met their awesome colleagues, Dr Bauer and Coach Scalf. There isn’t a better trio of educators. They all were great role models of sincerity, determination, courage and joy. Mrs Edge was so encouraging and a huge influence in my life. She is the reason I went onto ECU for graduate school. I have so many memories but especially her Southern charm, her West Edgecombe toughness, her beautiful smile and her graceful swimming strokes! I thank her family for sharing her with so many students that loved her!
Walker, I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a great lady who touched so many lives for the better. I remember that wonderful smile and laugh. It made you feel good just to be around her. I know she will be deeply missed. Always, Mary Ann
To Martha Brake Berryman and all of Jean’s family I did not know Jean but my sympathy goes out to all of you. Jean sounds like such a wonderful person and someone who made all those she touched stronger and better people. Georgia Tuttle
Mrs. Edge was my only female professor from 1966–1970 at NC Wesleyan. She had so much energy and was allsmiles–I felt she might have been laughing at me a little but she taught me so much. I’d never touched a volleyball or a real soccer ball before college. The first thing she showed us women athletes was how to pick up the soccer ball with not hands just a flip-kick with your foot. Boy, I thought that was cool! She was the greatest from then on. She helped me attain the PE requirements with soccer, volleyball and swimming. I didn’t know how to swim either so she let me do the strokes across the pool at the Fountain Training School. My mother told me that she was related to a lady back home so I couldn’t have been more at ease. After graduation, I saw her in Rocky Mount at the mall and she’d stop and wait for me to recognized her. She was a mightly special person in my life. Thank you Mrs. Edge!! My sincere sympathy to the family.
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I’ve known Ms. Edge, Jean, since she arrived a North Carolina Wesleyan College during my sophomore year. She embodied warmth and grace and dedication. She was one of the Pioneer Faculty member to chose Wesleyan as her career home. We were all better for her service. Here is a link to the NCWC Pioneer Facebook page honoring Jean. httpswww.facebook.comNorth-Carolina-Wesleyan-College-Alumni-Pioneer-Classes-1964-1968-139918409362587
We have very fond memories of knowing and working with Jean over the years. Jean was never without that brilliant smile and a kind word for anyone she encountered. She made a real difference in the lives of so many that will live on. Our deepest sympathy to the Edge family. Peace be with you. Steve & Kim Sparks
Frank, Lisa and Walker, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sandra Pittman Biggs
I probably first met Mrs. Edge when I was born or shortly thereafter. The Edges were our next door neighbors for 14 yrs. on Oakdale Rd. until we moved in 1974. Great memories with her taking Walker and I to Wesleyan eventsgames or to just let us play around like kids will do. Or times Mr. and Mrs. Edge would take us to Chapel Hill to watch the Tarheels play. She taught my brothers and I how to swim, shoot hoops, hit balls, whatever the game of the day. Her love of sports and people was felt by us all. Much love and prayers for Mr. Edge, Walker and Lisa.
Jean Edge was a bright light at Wesleyan College and touched many students hearts. Jean taught me from 1965-69; also arranged basketball intramurals between Wesleyan and other colleges in the area. She was a wonderful person. I was fortunate enough, while visiting the campus in 2000 to run into Jean and the nicest thing as we spoke and laughed, was that we could still recognize each other all those years later. My deepest sympathy to the family. Lynn Ament Alim NCWC
Dear Lisa, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Chas & Regina