Hazel Sowder Edwards

Hazel Sowder Edwards was born in Pine Hill, Kentucky on June 2, 1933, the daughter of Burba and Faitha Cottingim Overbay. She was united in marriage to J. R. Sowder on February 20, 1953 and he preceded her in death on October 4, 1983. She was united in marriage to Rex Edwards in 1986 and he preceded her in death in 1992.

Mrs. Edwards lived in the Old Town Community and worked for the Ben Franklin Store and Fred's Dollar Store in Savannah. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Savannah where she was a Sunday school teacher for the Ann Reed's Sunday School Class. She was also an officer for the Christian Assistant Ministry Food Pantry and a prayer warrior for the Tuesday Morning Prayer Group. Everything she did was a reflection of her Christian faith and her everlasting love for her family. She always insisted on having a Christmas and Mother's Day gathering at her home, even after she was physically unable to do so. These special gatherings were great times for her family and will always be remembered.

Mrs. Edwards departed this life on June 8, 2014, at the Hardin Medical Center in Savannah, Tennessee, at the age of 81 years and 6 days.

She is survived by two children, Ricky Sowder and wife, Jan of Counce, Tennessee and Kathy Handley of Savannah, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Jamie Sowder and wife, Candy and Blake Sowder and wife, Natalie of Toone, Tennessee, Daniel Handley and wife, Brittnay of Mobile, Alabama and Scottie Handley of Savannah, Tennessee; seven great-grandchildren, Parker, Caleb, Jake, Travis and Mason Sowder of Toone, Tennessee, Brantley Handley and Madison Rice; one sister, Marie Payne of Cordele, Georgia.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by grandparents, John and Amanda Winkler Oberbay and Dillie and Sarah Houston Cottingim; one brother, Kenneth Overbay and five half-brothers.

Memorials may be given in Mrs. Edwards memory to Christian Assistant Ministry now named Hardin County Jesus Cares, P.O. Box 1431, Savannah, TN 38372.