Shirley Lee (Thomas) Edwards

Shirley Lee (Thomas) Edwards, 95, of Oakland City, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family Friday, March 13, 2026. She was born October 29, 1930 in Princeton to the late Culmer H. Thomas and Eunive P. (Bilderback) Thomas and married Duard (Dude) Edwards on June 1, 1947. They were blessed with almost 76 years together before his passing February 12, 2023.

Shirley was a member of Francisco Church of the Nazarene for 68 years where she served as the church secretary, treasurer, taught Sunday School and led worship. She was also the president of the local Nazarene Missionary Society. She was a member of the Saddle Club since 1947 and served as the last PTA president at the old Francisco School. She was known as an avid IU fan, loved fresh flowers, and getting her nails done, especially with sparkles. She enjoyed shopping for shoes, purses, and clothes and getting lunch with her kids along with being known as a cat and horse enthusiast but her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by her children, Christina McKannan (Jerry) of Francisco, Duard “Rocky” Edwards (Nancy) of Oakland City, Vicki Whitehouse (Jimmy) of Francisco, Lisa Carpenter (Curly) of Poseyville, Charlotte Hensley of Princeton, Becki Penner (Kerry) of Owensville, Dewayne “Cob” Edwards (Laura) of Oakland City, Sara Freudenberg (Michael) of Oakland City, and David Edwards (Teresa) of Oakland City; 26 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren, with 2 on the way; and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dude Edwards; grandchild, Jeffrey Thomas Edwards; great-grandchildren, Jayden Carpenter Druin and Larissa Davis; great-great-grandchild, Paisley Whitehouse; sister, Patricia Grimm; parents-in-law, Fines and Marie Edwards; sons-in-law, Mike Weiner, Tony Hensley, and Donnie Martin; and sisters-in-law. 

The funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton officiated by Pastor Don Blackard, Pastor Wayne Rowland, and Pastor T. Allen Burr. Interment will follow at Francisco Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 from 4 until 7 at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bruce C. Brink Jr. and AseraCare Hospice for their service and dedication taking care of Shirley. For those who wish, memorial contributions can be given to Francisco Church of the Nazarene located at 304 S. Cross St., Francisco, IN 47649. Online condolences can be expressed at ColvinFuneralHome.com where you can share a memory of Shirley with her family. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Edwards family.   

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