Mrs. Barbara Jean Edwards of 1655 E. 23rd St. was born May 18, 1939 in Winston-Salem, NC to Mr. Herman Leon Joyner and Mrs. Viola "Big Mama" Springs Joyner.

On Friday, June 27, 2008, Barbara was called home to spend eternity with the Lord, her work well done in His sight.

She retired from Food Lion Grocers and Star International Grocers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and four sisters.

Barbara was an extraordinary daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister and friend.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband, David Edwards; three daughters, Deborah (Gregory) Williams, LaTrell Edwards, and Sylvia (Rev. Sam) Hickerson; four sons, Kevin (Melody) Springs, David Edwards, Reverend Kalvin (Charlene) Edwards, and Terry Edwards; a "play" son, Gregory Penn; three sisters, Eloise Neal, Tomasue Crockett, and Jacqueline Lindsay; her "Lil Sis", Elizabeth Glenn; two brothers, Herman (Elaine) Springs, Jr. and Harold (Mary) Springs; two great-great-grandchildren; and many loving and caring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 1pm Wednesday, July 2, 2008 from the New Light Missionary Baptist Church, 1535 E. 15th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27105 with Reverend Sam P. L. Hickerson officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6pm until 8pm Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.

The family can be reached at the home of Mrs. Edwards at 1655 E. 23rd St.

The family extends special thanks to the staff at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center's Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Services of Winston-Salem, and to Hospice and Palliative Care of Forsyth County for the caring and kindness shown to Barbara in her hours of need.