Kathryn Edwards

1940 - 2025

Kathryn Elizabeth Oakes Edwards passed away peacefully in her home on October 3, 2025. She was born December 18, 1940, in Kenansville, NC, the daughter of Francis Whitfield and Mariah Louise Drew Oakes, and grew up in Greenville, NC, attending Third Street School and J.H. Rose High School. She was a homecoming queen, cheerleader, student leader, and gifted student. Kathryn attended Woman's College of the University of North Carolina in Greensboro before graduating from East Carolina University in 1963, with degrees in Mathematics and French.

On August 17, 1963, Kathryn married Robert Leon Edwards ("Bobby"), the love of her life after growing up together in Greenville. They began dating her senior year of high school and were married five years later. Kathryn and Bobby spent the first two years of their marriage in Chapel Hill, where she taught middle school math in Hillsborough while he finished law school. In 1965, they moved to Winston-Salem, first living in the College Village Apartments and then settling into their home on Avalon Road, where they established and nurtured their family and lived happily for 58 years. She taught until 1967, when she and Bobby started their family. Her family could not ask for a more loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Kathryn immensely enjoyed the next chapter of her life raising her sons, being involved in the community, and supporting Bobby's career at Ernst & Ernst and Hudson, Petree, Stockton, Stockton & Robinson. She was a loving and dedicated supporter for her immediate and extended family while also participating in many organizations, including Centenary United Methodist Church, Woman's Reading Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Cincinnati, Virginia Huguenot Society, The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia, Jamestown Society, and Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (formerly Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF)).

Later in life, Kathryn embraced a wide range of interests. She discovered her talent for painting, filling our homes with her landscapes, florals, and scenes from North Carolina, Virginia, and Europe. Her passion for history inspired her to trace our family's ancestry and her dedicated research resulted in an ever-changing genealogy book gifted to each of her seven grandchildren on their 18th birthday. Above all, Kathryn cherished her friendships and family. She built lasting relationships across North Carolina (Winston-Salem to Greenville to Atlantic Beach), Virginia, and beyond. Kathryn was transparent and she would gladly provide her opinion if asked (sometimes she would give her opinion even if you did not ask for it!). Kathryn treasured time with her husband, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, especially in her beloved Winston-Salem home. Kathryn rarely missed their birthday parties, graduations, or sporting events.

Kathryn was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Louise Oakes Hines Smith and Martha Lee Oakes Dail, and her brother, Francis Whitfield Oakes, Jr. She is survived by her beloved husband of over 62 years, Robert Leon Edwards ("Bobby") and their two sons and daughters-in-law: Robert Leon Edwards, Jr. and Leigh Barnhill Edwards, and Stewart Whitfield Edwards and Fleming Wells Edwards and seven adored grandchildren: Robert Leon Edwards, III (New York), Jacob McCormick Edwards (Chapel Hill), Elizabeth Leigh Edwards (New York), Austin Oakes Edwards (Charlotte), Stewart Whitfield Edwards, Jr. (Atlanta), Grady Shuford Edwards (Greensboro), and Calvin Wells Edwards (Greensboro). She is also survived by her three loving nieces: Ann Hines Lewis, Susan Dail Inman, and Mary Elizabeth Dail Nunalee.

The family extends deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who supported Kathryn and her family during the past 18 months and gave her the ability to be active and remain at home throughout treatment. Special appreciation goes to Dr. Jared Weiss, Tammy Allred, RN, and their team at the UNC Chapel Hill Lineberger Cancer Center, Dr. Jeff Petty at Atrium Health Wake Forest Oncology Cancer Center, and family friend Dr. Bill Hough. Their care allowed Kathryn to fight until the end, always believing in the possibility of a miracle. Even while facing her own illness, Kathryn carefully researched clinical trials-not only for herself, but also in the hope that her efforts might help others. As she often said, "It may not help me, but it might help someone else."

A celebration of life will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem on Wednesday, October 8, at 11 a.m., officiated by Rev. Lara "Willis" Greene and Dr. Michael B. Brown. A reception will follow at Forsyth Country Club. A private burial will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.

In honor of Kathryn's memory, contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes, UNC Chapel Hill Lineberger Cancer Center, or a charity of one's choice.

Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."