VERA JOANNE WILLIAMS EDMONSON

Vera Joanne Williams Edmonson, known to most as “Jo” and to many close friends and family (especially grandchildren) as “Sam”, age 92 of Hueytown, Alabama, went to be with her Lord and Savior around noon on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023. She was a long-time active member of Hueytown First Methodist Church, where she served in the Clothes Closet ministry for many years. She was the Pianist for the Berthelle Waid Sunday School Class for several years. She was very active leading crafts at VBS for many years. Prior to her retirement, she owned an arts and crafts store in Hueytown, “Craft Country”. Prior to that, she managed craft stores in Fairfield and Bessemer. She was one crafty lady. She would look at any object with the mindset of, “I can make something out of that.” She would often quote, “I’ve done so much, for so long, with so little, I am now qualified to do anything with nothing.” She was also very active in Scouting for many years. She was a Den Mother, Den Mother Coach, and Pack Committee Chair on the local level, and served on the District Committee for several years. For her Scouting work, she was awarded the prestigious Vulcan Award. She was born and raised in Sanford, Florida, where she graduated from Seminole High School. She graduated from Huntingdon College in 1953, where she was elected May Queen and Miss Charming her Senior year. Jo is preceded in death by her parents Elwood Cheatham Williams Sr. and Vera Anna Williams of Sanford Florida, her husband James Gaston Edmonson, her daughter Lydia Leigh Edmonson, and her brothers E.C. “Bill” Williams Jr. of Frisco City, AL and Thomas A. “Gus” Williams of Richmond Virginia. She is survived by sons Bill Edmonson (Dawn), Bob Edmonson, and Scott Edmonson (Lisa); grandsons Shawn (Amberly), Brandon (Carmen), Alex (Ashleigh), J.T., Chase (Lynn), Michael, Joshua, and Matt (Sheena); great-grandsons Conner, James, Sam, and Jake; great-granddaughter Nora Cate (finally a girl!); sister-in-law Marilyn Williams and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Hueytown First Methodist Church. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., at the church. The burial will follow at Patterson-Forest Grove Cemetery. Honorariums are asked to be given to Hueytown First Methodist Church or SonRise Christian Vocal Band (c/o Hueytown First Methodist).