Gloria Yvonne "Von" Edwards

ROCKY MOUNT – Gloria Yvonne “Von” Edwards Edwards, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on August 30, 1937, she was the daughter of the late James Henry Edwards and Mamie Pridgen Edwards Bulluck. She was also preceded in death by her husband, George Selva Edwards, Jr.; her sister, Nellie Jean Edwards Proctor; and her great-grandson, C. J. Jones.

Above all else, Von cherished her family. Her greatest joy was found in the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. One of her family’s most treasured traditions took place every Black Friday, when she and her daughter, Tonya, would set out together to purchase 15 to 20 birdhouses in preparation for a special day with the grandchildren. The children would gather around her table to enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches before spending the day painting their birdhouses together. It was a tradition that her beloved husband, George, always looked forward to, and after his passing, Von and her family faithfully continued it each year in his memory. What began as a simple family activity became a cherished family tradition that brought generations together and created countless treasured memories.

Gifted with remarkable creativity, Von had an artist’s eye and a servant’s heart. An accomplished seamstress, she had a remarkable talent for sewing, creating patterns, knitting, and painting, always finding joy in making something beautiful with her hands. She was also an avid reader whose love for books never faded. She faithfully kept a record of the books she read and the thoughts they inspired, and even in her later years eagerly embraced reading on her Kindle. Her love of reading extended into the kitchen as well, where she delighted in discovering new recipes, trying them herself, and sharing the meals she lovingly prepared with family and friends.

Known for her grace and timeless elegance, Von believed in always presenting herself with dignity. Whether she was attending a special occasion, sitting on the porch with her beloved son-in-law, Robert, or simply walking to the mailbox, she was always impeccably dressed, with her hair beautifully styled and her makeup thoughtfully done. She carried herself with quiet class in every setting, reflecting the pride she took in herself and the life she lived. Her creativity, warmth, hospitality, and unwavering love for her family will remain a lasting legacy, and the memories she created will continue to be cherished for generations to come.

Von is survived by her sons, George “Allen” Edwards (Lynette) and Patrick Gene Edwards; her daughters, Judy Edwards Sanders (Robert) and Tonya Edwards Nelms (Charles); her grandchildren, Kim Whitley (Danny), Travis Edwards (Dana), Candice Jones (Tracy), Ryan Edwards, Joy Spivey (Rusty), Brad Nelms (Danielle), and Lori Bailey (Bryan); her great-grandchildren, Cassadie Pochkar (Ryan), Brianna Edwards (Tyler), Walker Edwards (Emily), Caleb Jones (Cass), Will Spivey, Adalynn Spivey, Orrin Nelms, Grace Bailey, Rylan Pochkar, Rodney Pochkar, Jackson Bailey, Luke Bailey, Mia Bailey, Nora Jones, Oakley Edwards, Tatum Edwards, Alysa Edwards, Adam Edwards, Dean Edwards, Christopher “Jr.” Smith, and Destiny Smith; her sister, Sylvia Dee Edwards Jenkins; her brother-in-law, Wayne Edwards (Sandi); numerous nieces and nephews; and long-time and cherished friend, Vetter Wallace.

A Visitation of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Von’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box, 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

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.