Iris Dell Edwards

Iris "Polly" Edwards, age 84 of Fuquay Varina went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 6, 2025. She was the loving wife of her devoted husband Henry Bryan Edwards.
Polly was born in Durham, NC to Ernest Wade Dixon and Iris Dawson Dixon. In her youth she attended Green Hope and Apex schools and cherished her home and community of Carpenter for 53 years before moving to Fuquay Varina and creating numerous new friendships.
Polly and Bryan married in 1960 and had their sons Chris and Eric shortly thereafter in 1963 and 1966. After graduating from business college, Polly selected a role implementing the initial library system across the NC Community College System. She then found her career home with Research Triangle Institute, working 30 years in the accounting and federal contracts department.
In her community, Polly was dedicated to Good Hope Baptist Church, enjoying serving its children and youth ministries and choir, establishing the church library, and helping launch a vibrant young couples' class that thrived for many years. Polly loved her large, exuberant extended family and looked forward to the hilarity at frequent family gatherings. When she took the lead as "Grandma Polly" to her sons' families, she and "Granddaddy Bryan" brought exceptional energy, adventure, and fun to their grandparenting. They would lovingly exhaust the grandchildren, who always had a blast and seized every moment of attention. Polly created memorable holiday parties to ensure each was magical for her grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Polly was predeceased by her parents, Ernest Wade Dixon and Iris Dawson Dixon. Polly is survived by her husband Bryan, sons Chris Edwards and wife Sabra of Portland, Maine and Eric and wife Carol Edwards of Fuquay Varina; adored grandchildren Lauren Steiger and husband Todd, Joseph Edwards and wife Katie, Liam Edwards, and Isabella Edwards and fiancé James Smith; and great grandchildren Catherine, Jonathan, Margot, and Forrest. Polly loved and blessed us all.
A graveside service will be held at Good Hope Baptist Church at 11am on Wednesday, November 12, followed by a time for fellowship and remembrance of Polly in the church's Family Life Center.
Flowers may be sent to Good Hope Baptist Church. Donations in her memory can be made to Good Hope Baptist Church of Cary, NC. https://goodhopechurch.org/go/