Betty Jane Cordell Edwards, age 83, passed away Aug. 31, 2014, at Oxton Village in Social Circle. “Ms. Betty,” as she was affectionately known, had been a resident there for the past five years. Betty was born Oct. 4, 1930, in Rockmart, Georgia.

Her parents worked in cotton mills around the state, living in Monroe for a time while she was in elementary school and finally settling in Porterdale where she completed high school. She was very proud of the fact that she had been a cheerleader and voted “Miss Porterdale.” While working at the 5 & 10 in Covington, she met her future husband, James L. Edwards. They were married the day after her 21st birthday, Oct. 5, 1951. She worked for a time at Arrow Shirt Company and Bibb Manufacturing before returning to Bellsouth, where she retired in 1991. Ms. Betty filled her supporting role as a pastor’s wife by working with many children in the nurseries of the churches where Jimmy was Pastor. She carried this servant’s heart while playing with the children in several of the disaster areas they traveled to while working with the Southern Baptist Disaster Unit. Ms. Betty was loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, James Lewis Edwards; parents, John C. and Lillie H. Cordell; sister, Imogene (Mrs. Roy) Shuford; and her brothers, John Lewis Cordell and Alfred Cordell.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Denise E. and Fred W. Love Jr.; granddaughter, Markie Michelle Love; brother, James “Bo” Cordell; several nieces and nephews; as well as many extended family and friends.
Funeral Services for Ms. Betty will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, 4 p.m., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road in Covington, with Pastor Jason Johnson officiating, and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, two hours prior to her service, from 2-4 p.m.

The family would like to extend thanks to all the caregivers and workers who have cared for Ms. Betty over the past five years. To the nurses, social workers, chaplains and staff of Abbey Hospice, special thanks for the love and care you have given to us.

Visit caldwellandcowan.com to place online condolencesor call 770-786-7062.