Emily A. Edwards, 81, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home with all of her children by her side at 7:00 pm September 12, 2024.
She was born October 31, 1942, in Mount Vernon to the late Clarence and Opal (Skinner) York, Sr., Emily married Thomas Edwards on July 3, 1987. He preceded her in death on January 28, 2010.
Emily is survived by her sons, Charles Wood, Todd Wood, and Troy Wood, all of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Tawana Wood, and life partner, Ron of Woodlawn, Illinois; grandchildren, Charles Wood II and Rachel Hummel, both of San Antonio; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and brother, Charlie York of Mount Vernon.
In addition to her parents and husband, Emily was preceded in death by her grandson, Trey Wood; granddaughter, Crystal Wood-McKee; and siblings, Clarence York, Jr., Billy Joe York, Nedra Hayes, Deloris York, Mary Tracey, and Beverly Higginson.
Emily retired from the Department of Homeland Defense after many years. She was a faithful member of Park Avenue Baptist Church in Mount Vernon. Emily dedicated many hours each week to serving at the food pantry. She loved to travel and go out to eat with her friends. Emily will be remembered as a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, loving sister, and dear friend to many.
A Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 3:00 pm with Brother Gary West officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Memorials may be made in Emily’s honor to the Edwards family, to assist with funeral expenses and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
