Barbara Ann Whitener Edwards, 87, of Shelby, NC, left her earthly body to be in the presence of God,February 8, 2024.

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Barbara was kind, strong, and a caregiver to all those in need. She was an avid cook and loved her family, traveling, history, our country, music, and most importantly the Lord. Barbara was happily married to her husband, Joe Edwards, for 68 years. She had many careers including Southern Bell, Hudson Hosiery Mill, Fiber Industries, Union Carbide, and Kemet Electronics. She retired early to follow her passion owning and operating Edwards Catering, BBQ, and Ice Cream for over 30 years. She cherished working alongside her family serving barbeque and ice cream at festivals throughout Shelby, American Legion World Series, and at the Cleveland County Fair since 1999. Her influence instilled a strong work ethic and passion for others in all those she loved.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are: her husband, Joe; daughters, Wanda Montgomery & husband Robby, Lori Rabb & husband Keith, and Tonda Putnam; her sister, Betty Wellmon; her grandchildren, Brooke Greene (Brad), Casey Putnam Riddle (Marcus), Tyler Rabb (Brittany), Holly Rabb, Matthew Humphries (TK), Jesse Putnam II (Mikaela); her great-grandchildren, Brylee, Brayton, Brie, Laithan, Langstyn, and Sadie.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Loma and Perry Whitener; sisters Hazel Lee, Louise Broome, and Doris Haynes.

The family will receive friends from 2-3 pm on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, prior to the funeral at 3:00 pm with Rev. Tim Trexler officiating in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will follow in Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is compassionately serving the Edwards family.