Shirley Anne (Flowers) Edwards

Shirley Anne Edwards, 85, of Rootstown, Ohio passed away at her home Monday, June 21, 2021 surrounded by her family listening to her favorite music by the Gaither Band. Shirley was born August 22, 1935 in Tallmadge, Ohio to the late Russell G. and Thelma A. (Hunter) Flowers. She married her husband Arthur (Art) Edwards on July 1, 1956 and they enjoyed almost 65 years together.  They moved to Rootstown in 1972. Shirley worked as a secretary for Nationwide Insurance and was a member of the Ravenna First Church of God where she influenced many lives as she served the Lord.  Lovingly called "Grandma Door", many of the grandchildren enjoyed sitting by her in church so that she could "tickle" their arm to keep them quiet in the pew.  Shirley prayed daily for every member of her family and spread God's love to everyone. Shirley preferred to stay in the background, supporting her husband, encouraging her children/grandchildren and listening to anyone who dropped by with problems.  Family was very important to Shirley and there was always room at her Sunday dinner table for a guest.  The family will miss her signature ham and ham gravy, scrambled eggs with butter, green beans, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to name a few of their favorites. Shirley enjoyed playing games and was nicknamed "Card-Shark Shirley" by many in the family. Art and Shirley traveled to Florida for many years to escape the Ohio winters and enjoyed sitting on the porch of their trailer to visit with neighbors.  Shirley enjoyed crocheting and made baby afghans for her grandchildren.  She loved working in her flower gardens, reading Christian novels, crafting and sewing.  Although we know that Shirley is celebrating with Jesus in heaven, she will be greatly missed. In addition to her husband, Shirley is survived by her children Linda (Floyd) Martell, Pam (Robert) Luli, and David (Athena) Edwards; grandchildren Stacey (Brian) Smith, Jacob Martell, Lisa (Steven) Sexton, Michelle (Mike) Trickett, Megan (James) McNamee, Raymond (Jamie) Luli, Gregory (Ashley) Luli, Benjamin (Lauren) Edwards, Melissa (Daniel) Underwood, and Steven Edwards and 15 great grandchildren. Preceding her death are  her parents Russell and Thelma Flowers and her brother Eugene Flowers. At her request cremation has taken place.  Memorial calling hours will be from 10:00AM-11:00AM Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the Ravenna First Church of God where memorial services will follow at 11:00AM with Pastor Tod Huston officiating. Condolences and memories of Shirley can be shared with the family at http://www.sscfuneralhomes.com