Sarah Peeler Edwards

A beautiful life entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 15, 2024, when Ms. Sarah Peeler Edwards transitioned from her earthly home into the mansion God prepared for her many years ago.

Born July 21, 1946, to the late Jim and Cynthia Peeler in the city of Gaffney, SC, Sarah was a graduate of the Granard High School class of 1964. Upon graduation, she was employed with Little Moo Dairy Barn, then as a cashier with Eckerd's Drugstore. Later in life, her love for education and children inspired her to pursue a position as a Teacher's Aide with Cherokee County School District. She began her career at Luther Vaughn Elementary and later transferred to B.D. Lee Elementary where she retired after more than 20 years of service.

Eager to use every moment of her life to a positive role model, Sarah worked with the summer migrant program, assisting ESL students to learn to read English. She also volunteered with Boys and Girls Club's Summer Feeding Program and serving Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Sarah lived her life to be of service to others as found in 1 Peter 4:10-11, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms".

"Aunt Lou", as she was affectionally called by many, was a faithful, tithing member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. She served on the Adult Usher board, as a member of the Adult Sunday school class, on the Culinary Committee, as Immediate Past President of the Senior Missionary, on the Pastor's Aide Committee, and as a member of the Thelma D. Watkins Senior Citizen Club. She was a member of the Senior Choir where she led the song, "My hair is growing silver; my eyes are growing dim; my footsteps are getting shorter; and I know my time ain't long." She also served on the Hospitality Committee where she fondly became known as "the candy lady". She would greet all worshippers each Sunday with a loving, warm smile and a basket of peppermint candy. Until her health declined, she faithfully attended worship service and weekly Bible study. She was an active member of the Thickety Mountain Baptist Association Women Convention.

Along with her parents, Jim and Cynthia Peeler, she was preceded in death by two brothers: Rayford Peeler and Converse Peeler; two sisters: Ernestine Dawkins and Essie Wilkie (Robert); a nephew, Tracy Peeler; and a niece, Tracy K. Peeler.

Ms. Sarah was survived by her eldest daughter, Karen Ann Degree and son-in-law Billy; her devoted daughter Kitisha Edwards Cruell and son-in-law Derrick who loving took care of her in their home until her transition; three grandchildren: Takara Degree, Tanasia Lattimore, and James Lattimore; one great granddaughter, Aalaya Faith; one brother: S. J. Peeler (Darlene); three sisters: Amberzine Woods, Sallie Fenn, Elizabeth Davis (Nelson); one sister-in-love: Faye Peeler; god children: Barbara Ann Peeler and Rev. and Mrs. Nathan and Bernice Vereen; her "ride or die" favorite cousin, Janice Peeler; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; two special ladies Ms. Diane Washington and Mrs. Danielle Murray, Hospice nurses, who cared for her during her illness.

Ms. Sarah leaves behind a legacy of service. She dedicated her life to helping others whether it was giving someone a ride to a doctor's appointment or to worship service, she served with a smile and without hesitation. If she was able, she was willing. Her giving heart prompted her to initiate a project within the Ebenezer Senior Missionary to deliver Christmas bags to all homebound members. She was always thinking of ideas to best serve others. She lived her life as a "woman after God's own heart". Her favorite scripture is found in Psalm 27 KJV, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple".

The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 21, 2021 from 4pm until 6pm at Gordon Funeral Home Gaffney 211 East Frederick Street Gaffney, SC 29340.

The services for Ms. Sarah Peeler Edwards will be held Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 1 PM at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 241 Ebenezer Road Gaffney, SC 29341. The body will lie in state at 12 noon. Pastors, Rev. Freddy N. Davidson and Rev. Caroline Jones-Allen are officiating.