Betty Hardin Edwards

Betty Jean Hardin Edwards, 90, of Bruce passed from this life on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Calhoun City. Born on the spring day of March 21, 1931, in the Reid Community, she was a daughter to the late James Elmer Hardin and Myrtle Odell Murphree Hardin.

She graduated from Vardaman High School in 1950 and sought higher education at Blue Mountain College, earning her bachelors in education, followed by a masters degree from the University of Mississippi. Betty was an icon in the education system of Bruce Schools. Her career at the chalkboard lasted for an expansive forty-four years before retiring. However, Betty did not retire she merely changed positions, returning as an assistant teacher and substitute, for an additional twenty-two years. She molded minds, poured out love, and taught lessons beyond arithmetic and reading for sixty-six blissful years.  Aside from grading papers and planning lessons she was actively involved in the 20 ^th Century Club and Order of The Eastern Star. Living an active lifestyle, she found joy in looking after her flowers while gardening, spending time with her family and friends, and playing card games. Betty was a member at First Baptist Church, Bruce, where she worshiped her Lord and Savior.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and family to continue walking down the path of life: one son Gary Eugene (Linda) Edwards of Bruce; one daughter Pamela Nan Edwards of Bruce; and  four grandchildren: Joshua Eugene Edwards, Jessica Lee Edwards, John Massey, and Jamie Parker.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Robert Eugene Edwards; parents James Elmer Hardin and Myrtle Odell Murphree Hardin; three brothers: James Elmer Hardin, Harvey Lafayette Hardin, and Elmer Lavon Hardin; and one sister Annie Euretta Siminon.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce. The funeral service celebrating her life will take place at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Darrell Logan and Bro. Ryan Reed officiating.  Hugh M. Cannon, Mike Jones, Joey Grist, Dr. Bruce Longest, Bill Malone, Steve Runner, Eric Weeks, and Ken Winter will carry her to rest in Bruce Cemetery. Joel L. Edwards, David Hardin, Danny Hardin, Don Hardin, Harvey Hardin, James Kay Hardin, Kenneth Hardin, Ronice Hardin, and Billy Siminon will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The Staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the family as they begin this new season of life. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one.