Edna quietly went to eternal rest at home on December 11, 2019.

In the district of Grey Wood, Blackstonedge, St. Ann, Jamaica, West Indies, ninety years ago Edna May Rose was born to Eva Eliza Gilbert Johnson and Sylvester Cornelious Coward. She was the second of nine children, four of who preceded her in death; one brother, Sunny Coward and three sisters, Esmine Barnette, Norma Johnson, and Esther Coward. Edna is survived by her three sons, Elmore (Una) Alexander, Gary (Debbie) Rose, and Lawrence (Renee) Rose and her three daughters, Valerie (Leroy) Stokes, Lorna Rose and Sheron (Bramwell) Abrahams. She was preceded in death by her sons (Hope Rose and Phillip Rose). Edna is also survived by siblings Faye Johnson, Rose Johnson, Joan Lemond and Derrick (Marcia) Johnson, as well as 19 grandchildren (Adrian, Ajay, Allison, Ashley, Christopher, Deandra, Fatima, Fazel, Fiona, Geddes, Giana, Julene, Lytea'sa, Marsha, Odette, Phillip, Rion, Steve, Terry), 37 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

As a young woman Edna worked as an assistant for a physician in Kingston, Jamaica. She was married to George H. Rose and as her family grew she became a stay at home mom. With the help of her angel Ms. Gwendolyn Hawkins, who sponsored her to come to the United States, she was able to immigrate to Evanston, IL. Settling in Evanston, she often worked two or three jobs to support her seven children. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, as well as an assembler at Pasload (a nail manufacturing plant) which enabled her to sponsor her husband and seven children to migrate to the United States. Once her children grew up and left home, she and her sister Esther Coward both retired and moved to Miami, Florida. In Florida, she became a devoted Christian and committed her life to Christ. She found pleasure in her new faith and opened her home to a weekly Bible study group where she formed lasting friendships. As the years passed, both Edna and Esther decided to move closer to their children in North Carolina.

Shortly after moving to High Point, North Carolina, Edna joined Word of Life Tabernacle. She often spoke of how much she loved her pastor and church family. She served as a faithful member until she went home to be with the Lord. Her children would like to extend appreciation to Casey and Linda Goodwin for the special care shown to her. Edna Rose loved gardening and anything she planted would flourish and grow abundantly. She grew vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, kale, and carrots to name a few. She would feed families, friends, and strangers alike. It was said that her crops could compete with professional farmers any day and even win top prize. She loved her family more than anything else in this world. She was always the center of attention at many family gatherings. She was adored and admired by all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and extended families.

Edna, the matriarch of her family, will truly be missed. She brought joy to all those who were blesses to meet her. Her beautiful and infectious smile was a welcoming beacon to all those who came in contact with her.

Proverbs 31:10 'Who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil. Her children rise up and call her blessed'. Edna Rose epitomized this scripture.

A service honoring her life will be held Friday December 20, 2019, at Word of Life Tabernacle Church; 1801 Deep River Rd. High Point, NC. Visitation will begin at 11:30am with service following at 12pm. Internment will be at Carolina Biblical Gardens of Guilford.