Joan Edwards

Joan Edwards, age 87, of the Bald Mountain Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 28th, 2026. She was a daughter of the late Liller Bell Randolph and raised by the late Rev. Robert D. and Joaner Lewis Randolph. Joan was also preceded in death by a brother, Rev. Ross Lewis.

Joan leaves behind a legacy of dedication, hard work and deep love for her family and community. She devoted over thirty years of service as a bus driver and custodian in the Yancey County School System, retiring in 2004. Her strong work ethic and commitment made a lasting impact on the many students and staff who knew her. In addition to her work in the school system, Joan spent more than ten years caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant, offering compassion and comfort to those in need. She also shared her knowledge and skills by teaching classes through Mayland Community College, helping others learn and grow.

In her free time, Joan found joy in crafts and upholstery, expressing her creativity through her hands. She was also an avid member of the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum. Above all else, she cherished her family. They were the center of her life and she took great pride in the time she spent with them.

Left to cherish the precious memories of Joan is her loving husband 70 years, Coy "Buddy" Edwards; sons: Dairen Edwards (Tammy), Aaron Edwards (Christy) all of Burnsville and Charlie Edwards (Sonya) of Waynesville; grandchildren: Seth Edwards, Zane Edwards (Josie), Sydney Edwards and Easton Edwards; a brother, Rev. Harold Lewis (Tilda Jane) of Erwin, TN; sister-in-law, Brenda Lewis of Marion; and her "adopted daughter", Vickie Edwards Tremble.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Harold Lewis will be officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held.

The Edwards family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of the Yancey House for the wonderful care provided to Joan during her final days.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to Egypt Ramseytown Volunteer Fire Dept. at 14530 US-19W, Burnsville, NC 28714 or to Medi Home Hospice at PO Box 1357. Newland, NC 28657.