Shirley Lee "Thomas" Edwards

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

A devoted member of Francisco Church of the Nazarene for 68 years, Shirley served as church secretary and treasurer, taught Sunday School, led worship, and served as president of the local Nazarene Missionary Society. She was also a longtime member of the Saddle Club, the last PTA president at the old Francisco School, and a passionate IU fan. Shirley found simple pleasures in fresh flowers, getting her nails done with sparkles, shopping for shoes, purses, and clothes, and enjoying lunch with her children. An enthusiast of cats and horses, her greatest joy remained spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She 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 two on the way; and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

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