Brenda, nee Pickering, Edwards, 75, of Marissa, IL; born on January 8, 1944 in Harrisburg, IL; passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2019 surrounded by family after a battle with leukemia at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Mrs. Edwards was an operating room technician at Sparta Community Hospital for 49 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her parents – Fred and Bessie, nee Hensley, Pickering. Her husband – Vernon “Strawberry” Edwards whom she married on August 15, 1969 in Harrisburg, IL and who passed away on April 25, 2013. One son – Alan “Frosty” (Belinda) Edwards. Two brothers – Billie Pickering and Rondall Pickering and 1 brother-in-law; Sherwood Baker.

She is survived by her children – Lonnie Reeves of Carrier Mills, IL; Pamela (Paul) Treat of Carrier Mills, IL; Penny Reeves of Kansas City; Verna Edwards of Marissa, IL; Pamela (Roy) Wiggins of Galatia, IL. Her grandchildren – Derrick Scott (Emma) Lewis; Joshua Lee Lewis; Quaide Levi-Dallas Treat; Casey and Nellie of Kansas; Andrea Paige (Brian) Brooks; Christopher (Laurie) Edwards; Brandon (Casey) Edwards; Aaron Eugene Edwards. Her great-grandchildren – Erza Skye; Bradlee Alaina; Mason; Landon; Jace; Madi; Isabella Grace; Wyatt Daniel; Allie Lynn; Sebastian Lee; Cayden Lee; Grayson; Alyssia Lynn Knowles. Two sisters – Irma Pickering-Baker of Carrier Mills, IL; Kathy (Judy) Pickering of Kansas.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Sparta Community Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com

A joint memorial service for Vernon :Strawberry” and Brenda Edwards will be held at a later date.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Carla Kirkland says:

   07/24/2019 at 11:18 am

   Condolences to the family. My love and prayers are with you.

   Reply
2. Stan and Bev Lewis says:

   07/22/2019 at 11:04 pm

   Sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. You have our sympathy … Thinking of all of you , praying for comfort that passes all understanding that only Jesus can give. Stan and Bev

   Reply
3. Stephanie Treat says:

   07/22/2019 at 9:17 pm

   My deepest sympathies to the family
   May angels surround you in your time of need and bring you peace, comfort, and love ❤️

   Reply
   • Talesha "Tabor" Brooks says:

     07/22/2019 at 10:08 pm

     Penny and Verna I am so very sorry for your loss. Continued prayers for you and your families.

     Reply
4. Ricci Leggans says:

   07/22/2019 at 8:43 pm

   My condolences to the family. My prayers are with you all.

   Reply