She spent more than seven decades in loving partnership with her husband, Russell Gene Edwards, whom she married on December 1, 1951 at Summum Christian Church. Together they raised four children, instilling in them the values of kindness, resilience and deep family connection.
Jeannie was the heart of her home, nurturing everyone with her generosity, strong work ethic, and endless energy. She found joy in life's simplest pleasures: baking, making homemade jams and jellies that became family traditions, tending to vibrant gardens that reflected her care and curiosity, and crafting clothes with the skillful touch of a gifted seamstress. Her hands were rarely idle, but always full of purpose and love.
Faith guided her life. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years, and her devotion to the Lord shone through in her actions and her quiet strength. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she poured the same devotion into their lives that she gave to her own children.
Jeannie's legacy lives on in the moments she created-family dinners, garden walks, bedtime stories, and the feeling of being deeply known and unconditionally loved. And when it was her time to be cared for, Luther Oaks welcomed her with tenderness and treated her like one of their own. Their kindness was a reflection of how she had lived: with love, dignity, grace, and a heart devoted to God.
She leaves behind her husband of 73 years; four children, Colin (Kathy) Edwards of Canton, Laurie (Todd) Baker of West Peoria, Shawn (Gina) Edwards of Mapleton, and Jennifer (Mark) Dwyer of Bloomington; six grandchildren, Nicholas Baker of West Peoria, Aubri Edwards and Daniel Edwards of Peoria, Caitlin (Charles) Murin of Wheaton, and Alex Dwyer and Aaron Dwyer of Bloomington; three great-grandchildren, Jesse Edwards, James Murin, and Penelope Murin; and four surviving siblings, Emily Ayoub of Peoria, Thelma (Frank) Taylor of Rushville, Dale (Cheryl) Parr of Lewistown, and Connie Parr of Macomb. She is reunited in peace with her parents and seven of her siblings who preceded her in death: Norma Bowen, Stanley Parr, Betty Coats, Sandra Stonecipher, Linda Tatro, Sue Parr, and Ronnie Parr.
Burial will take place at Astoria Cemetery, Astoria, Illinois. No public services will be held, but a celebration of Jeannie's life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in her name can be made to the Lutheran Foundation for the Aged benevolent care fund, in care of Luther Oaks, 601 Lutz Road, Bloomington, IL 61704, or through the foundation link on the company's website.
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