Amma Nell Edwards Obituary (1925 - 2024)

Amma Nell Edwards (nee Edmiston), 98, died peacefully with her beloved son, John Steven Edwards, by her side on March 14, 2024. Nell was born on November 26, 1925, a few moments before her adored twin sister, Blon Dell, in Dalton, KY. The daughter of Dolon and Clyde Edmiston; she married the love of her life, John Thomas Edwards, on May 17, 1947. In the summer of 1944, Nell moved to Evansville, IN where she worked for The Servel Company during World War II and modeled locally. Nell's work ethic was unmatched, and she later found her true passion in retail clothing. Working first at Baynham's in Providence, KY, she joined Baker & Hickman's upon her moving to Madisonville in the fall of 1964 and remained until the store closed in 1991. Nell began her career at Baker & Hickman as a Salesclerk, and ended her career as an Assistant Manager, Buyer for the Women's Department, Window Designer and Assistant Bookkeeper. Nell's tenure at the store, and keen eye for fashion, allowed her the chance to spend several weeks a year in New York City, where she selected and purchased women's fashions for the store. Nell was an avid traveler and enjoyed many family trips to California, summers at Kentucky Lake, and especially, a cruise down the Rhine River where she visited multiple countries including Germany and Austria with Johnny and Steve by her side. A strong Christian, Nell was a member of General Baptist Church in Providence, KY. In addition, Nell was a member of the Diamond Homemakers Club, VFW Auxiliary, and was an avid bridge player. In 2006, Nell moved to El Paso, to be with her son, Steve, and was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church. Nell is survived by her adoring son, John Steven Edwards of El Paso, TX, and multiple nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, Nell is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Johnny, who died in 2000; twin sister, and other half of her heart, Blon Dell Burgess; brother, Robert Edmiston; sister, Clyda Edmiston Jordan; and brother-in-law, W.T. Burgess. The family will receive visitors prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m., with the funeral beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Bartnett-Strother Funeral Home 2285 N Main Street Madisonville, KY 42431. Graveside rites will be held immediately following Homesite Cemetery 4538 Rabbit Ridge Road Providence, KY 42450 with a reception following. A funeral mass will be dedicated to Nell at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in El Paso, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Homesite Cemetery Fund 441 Dalton Road Providence, KY 42450.