“This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Edith Rhem Andrews passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Somerset Assisted Living in Rocky Mount. She was born on May 15, 1918, the daughter of John Allen and Inda Fitzhugh Rhem of Garysburg, NC.
She received her early education in Garysburg and Weldon public schools and graduated from John Graham High School in Warrenton, NC. Edith continued her education in Park View School of Nursing in Rocky Mount, graduating in 1940. For 56 years she was active in nursing, retiring in 1996.
An active member and dedicated Christian of First United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, she enjoyed working in Sunday School Bible School, MYF and Logas Program.
A “people person” she was affectionately known as “Mema” and loved doing for others. Her hobbies included knitting, caring for and visiting others and keeping up her flowers and “immaculate” yard. Her family was her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, William Alfred Andrews, Sr. ; baby girl Andrews; daughter, Drue Andrews Proctor; grandson, Andrew Phillips; brothers, John and Furnie Rhem; and sisters, Julia and Inda Rhem; and Margaret Ballentine.
Edith leaves behind to cherish her memory, son, William “Alfred” Andrews II (Eleanor) of Red Oak; daughter, Alice Andrews Highman (Harold) of Venice, FL; grandchildren, Kim Harbin and Lisa Sprinkle; great-grandchildren, Michelle and Amanda Sprinkle; Elizabeth and Josh Harbin; great great-grandchildren, Philip and Nathaniel; son-in-law, Toby Proctor; special niece, Carolyn Robinson (Jimmy) of Wilmington; a special caretaker while at home, Lois Saxton; and a host of wonderful friends.
The family expresses its gratitude to the loving and caring staff of Somerset Assisted Living .
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 100 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount with the Rev. Jim Bell officiating. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 100 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and 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.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 5/21, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Service
First United Methodist Church (Rocky Mount)
100 South Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Monday 5/22, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lit a candle in memory of Edith Rhem Andrews
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR MOM. MY MOM AND YOUR MOM WERE NURSES TOGETHER AT PARK VIEW HOSPITAL SO YEARS AGO I KNEW YOUR MOM WELL. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND A VERY GOOD NURSE. MAY THE LORD BLESS EACH OF YOU IN A SPECIAL WAY. JOE AND MARY ALICE.TREVATHAN EZZELL
I am so sorry for your loss. Edith did so much for my mom, words alone can never express my gratitude. Kemp
Edith and my grandmother, Edna Carroll Hyde, were the very best of friends. Both of them, Park View nurses, shared a common bond of loving other people and understanding the importance of nurturing, loving, and caring for their patients. Edith and Gran talked on the phone almost every day until Gran’s death in 2011. They loved one another like sisters and kept up with all of their life events. Much sympathy is extended to all of you. May the comforts of a long and full life that was well lived be a constant source of comfort to you. If everyone could emulate the giving and caring spirit that was the embodiment of Edith Andrews, the world would surely be a better place. Blessings and Love, Al Hyde