Crystal Edmondson

**Crystal Belle "Chris" Edmondson (née Riddle), 69**

*July 31, 1956 - September 14, 2025*

Crystal Belle Edmondson, affectionately known as Chris, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, in Foley, Alabama, at the age of 69. Born on July 31, 1956, in Baltimore, Maryland, Chris was the eldest of five children and grew up in a loving and close-knit family in Woodlawn, Maryland.

Chris was christened at Emmarts United Methodist Church in Woodlawn and later attended several Baptist churches throughout Georgia and Alabama. Her deep faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She loved reading the Bible and strived to walk the path of Jesus with grace and humility. Her strong spiritual foundation was evident in her generous spirit and the love she extended to everyone around her.

A proud graduate of Woodlawn Senior High School's Class of 1975-forever a Woodlawn Warrior-Chris began her professional journey with her first job as a waitress at Konees in Security Square Mall. It was there that she discovered her passion for food service. That passion would lead to a fulfilling career as Manager of Training and Troubleshooting for McDonald's, where she made lasting contributions and friendships.

During her high school years in the 1970s, Chris also pursued modeling with Patricia Stevens Modeling Agency. Her love for fashion and makeup blossomed during this time-though she often had to negotiate last-minute wardrobe changes with her parents before heading off to school, she always did so with love and respect. The makeup, however, always stayed-much to her delight.

Chris's heart belonged to her family. She is survived by her devoted husband and partner Josue Hernandez; daughters Tabitha Arrais (Tony) of Alabama and Linda Marie Morris (Jonathon) of Arizona; son Alex Hernandez of Georgia; grandchildren Christopher, Anthony (Heather), Connor, Joshua, Hayden Arrais; Kristina, Robert, and Steven Morris; and great-granddaughter Layla Arrais (daughter of Anthony and Heather). She also leaves behind her beloved siblings: brothers Melvin L. Riddle Jr. (Donna) and Sheldon Riddle (Lynn), and sister Bonnie Riddle-Sarpalis (Karl), all of Maryland. Chris was a cherished aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews and held dear countless cousins and friends who were part of her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents Melvin L. Riddle Sr. and Thelma J. Riddle (Oakman) of Woodlawn, Maryland; as well as her sister Judith Abernathy and brother-in-law Jerry Abernathy of Gastonia, North Carolina.

Chris grew up surrounded by family in what she fondly remembered as the "little pink house" in Woodlawn-a home filled with laughter, love, and life lessons. Family meetings were a staple in their household where everyone had a voice. Chris's joyful spirit was infectious-even the mere sound of her father rubbing his fingers together would send her into fits of laughter from being so ticklish.

She carried that joy into adulthood through simple pleasures that brought her peace: reading from an early age, coloring as a form of relaxation, painting in recent years, and collecting frog figurines-a hobby she shared with her father. Her collection grew over time into a delightful tribute to their shared affection for these whimsical creatures.

Above all else, Chris treasured her role as wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. Though distance sometimes separated them physically, she held each loved one close in heart and prayer every single day.

A Life Celebration will be held in Maryland at a date to be determined.

May the memory of Crystal Belle "Chris" Edmondson bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with kindness, laughter, faith-and an ever-present sparkle in her eye.