Gloria Calhoun Edwards

Gloria Calhoun Edwards, born May 14, 1935, died peacefully, surrounded by those she loved most, on April 14, 2023, in her hometown of Anderson, South Carolina.

As a child, Gloria quickly took to the fine arts and served her town and state boldly as a majorette and as Miss Azalea. She enjoyed summer trips to family homes in Highlands, Atlanta and Texas.

Gloria graduated from Agnes Scott College in 1957 with degrees in Biology and Psychology. As Fashion Director at Gallant-Belk for 19 years, she brought much-appreciated joy and flair to the Upstate.

With an abundance of talent and creativity, she enjoyed a parallel career on stage, starring in such plays and musicals as "Little Foxes," "Mame," "Gypsy," "42nd Street," "Guys and Dolls," "Anything Goes," "Dames at Sea'' and "The Importance of Being Ernest," to the delight of audiences in the Greenville-Anderson area. A generous local volunteer, Gloria also loved traveling with family across the country, to Europe and Southeast Asia.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Louise Smith Calhoun and Andrew B Calhoun; by her sister, Carobel Calhoun; and by her husband of 58 years, John Calhoun Edwards.

She is survived by three daughters and four grandchildren: Susan Edwards Willis (Jeff) and her daughter, Juliet Calhoun Jacob; Helen Calhoun Edwards Kerley (Gary) and their children, Grace Calhoun, John Andrew, and Caroline Heidt Calhoun Kerley; and Mary Harris Edwards; by a sister, Mary Calhoun Gallant; by a brother, Andrew B Calhoun; by a cousin, Molly Calhoun Wood; and by a host of cherished nieces, nephews and honorary children and grandchildren.

A legendary hostess, known for her Christmas and dinner parties, she is best remembered as Lola, the most fun grandmother and compassionate friend.

Her family wishes to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to Phyllis Norris and Joyce Smith for their years of indispensable devotion and companionship.

Memorial gifts may be made to Grace Episcopal Church (711 S. McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC, 29624); to FAVOR Upstate (355 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC, 29607); or to a charity of one's choice.

Visitation will be held at Sullivan-King Mortuary (3205 North Highway 81, Anderson, SC) on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 4 until 6 pm.

A private service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church at a later date.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com