Virginia Ann Edwards

Virginia Ann Kersh Edwards was born in D’Lo, Mississippi to the late Lee and Lillie Howell Kersh and spent the first 13 years of her life in Brandon, Mississippi. The family moved to McGehee, Arkansas when Virginia was in the 8th grade and Virginia would spend the rest of her life in Arkansas, but never lost her ties, drawl and love for Mississippi.

Virginia graduated from McGehee High School and after briefly working for the phone company went to Central Baptist College, which was in Little Rock at the time. While in McGehee, she played basketball for both the school and the community teams. She always loved sports of all kinds and had a Razorback wreath on her door and an Owl blanket in her closet when she passed away. She was a cheerleader in school and never lost that spirit. She was musically inclined from a young age and excelled both in piano and voice. While at Central Baptist, she was active in the choir and remained in touch with several of those members and their choir director for many years.

While traveling back and forth from school in Little Rock to McGehee, Virginia Ann met Bob Edwards. At the time and prior to working for Missouri Pacific RR, he was driving the Trailways bus. In 1950, they married and began a life together that lasted 40 years, until Bob’s death in 1990. During the first 4 years of marriage, Virginia had 3 children, began her teaching career and continued working towards her degree from the University of Arkansas in Monticello (A&M at the time). All three children attended her college graduation. Her teaching career lasted 36 years with the McGehee School System. She was an excellent teacher who was admired, respected and considered firm, but fair. She was the Jr. class sponsor for many years and responsible for the Jr. Sr. prom and banquet each year. She loved it and worked hard. It has been said many times, “Mrs. Edwards could diagram a sentence, teach poetry, make a palm tree out of crepe paper and turn an ugly elementary auditorium into a Paris sidewalk café, all at 90 mph.” During the last week of her life, many comments written from former students were read to her. She made a huge impact on many lives and so many expressed their appreciation. She will be remembered fondly and left a lasting legacy.

Virginia is survived by her three children, LeAnn Edwards of North Little Rock, Kathy Tankersley (Randy) of Little Rock and Bob Edwards of North Little Rock. She is also survived by her grandchildren Drew Edwards of North Little Rock and Katie Woodward (Joe) of Little Rock. In her 96 years, she loved and was loved. And at approximately 12:50 p.m. on February 8th, she was face to face with Jesus. Her faith never wavered. 

Virginia Ann loved flowers, but in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following: Park Hill Baptist Church, 201 E. C Ave, NLR, 72116, the Television Ministry at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn, LR, 72205 or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Virginia Edwards' visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.