Barbara Sue Ethridge Edwards

Nashville – Barbara Sue Ethridge Edwards, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.  Born in Nash County, NC on May 4, 1933, she was the daughter of the late William Greene Ethridge and Nannie Belle Womble Ethridge.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Grover Washington Edwards, Jr. and her sister, Janice Greene Ethridge Wilson.

A woman of great faith and true servant to her church and community, Barbara Sue was a devoted and longtime member of Red Oak Baptist Church.  Throughout the years, she taught Sunday School, volunteered with Children’s Church and Bible School, and was a WMU Director.  A dedicated and talented educator, Barbara Sue retired from Nashville Elementary as a teacher after 35 years and continued to volunteer at Red Oak Elementary for many years following her retirement.  In addition to being a servant to her church and church family, she also believed in giving back to her community of Red Oak.  Barbara Sue volunteered for Injoy for over 10 years, enjoyed working with Meals on Wheels, and at the age of 79 she helped with the Appalachia Service Project as a volunteer.  A loving and nurturing mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and dear friend to many, Barbara Sue will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Barbara Sue is survived by her daughters, Deborah Edwards Westbrook and husband Tim of Morehead City and Sue Ella Edwards Johnson and husband Doug of Red Oak and; grandchildren, Carrie Johnson Baker and husband Sean, Shannon Johnson Gault and husband Robby, Chelsea Westbrook, and Jordan Westbrook and wife Sarah; great grandchildren, Austin Ethridge Baker, Brock McCuen Baker, Thomas Steele Baker, Cross Douglas Gault, Parks Johnson Gault, Patten Estes Gault, Stephen Timothy Westbrook, and Shepard Jordan Westbrook; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearest friends.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Barbara Sue’s life will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Red Oak Baptist Church Family Life Center, 5515 Red Oak Rd, Red Oak, NC 27868, with Rev. Chris Fowler officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service at Red Oak Baptist Church Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barbara Sue’s name to the Red Oak Baptist Church Making Room Campaign (Building Campaign), 4861 Church Street, Battleboro, NC 27809.

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.