RUSSELLVILLE — Connie Edwards,

86, of Russellville, died Monday, February 24, 2020 at Russellville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. The daughter of Carl, Sr. and Bonnie Pearl (Dykes) Pierce, she was born June 30, 1933, in Camden, Ark. She married Taylor “Gene” Eugene Edwards, on August 20, 1954, at Camden.

Connie was a member of the graduating Class of 1951 of Fairview High School in Camden, and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Henderson State University in 1955. She was a teacher in the White Hall School District for 33 years (1961-1994). She was a charter member of the Beta Zeta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teacher’s sorority; a charter member of the Gamma Pi Chapter of Delta Pi Epsilon, an honorary business teacher’s sorority; a lifetime retired member of both the National Education Association (NEA), and the Arkansas Education Association (AEA); the White Hall Education Association (WHEA); and the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association.

Connie loved to cross stitch, watch movies based on true life events, and “Who-Dun-It” mystery television. She also specialized in gardening flowers that drew various species of butterflies to her yard.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Carl C. Pierce, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Gene Edwards; their daughter, Vonda K. Edwards of Russellville; and two nephews, Charles Pierce of Illinois, and LeMonte Pierce of Camden.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 2405 E. Parkway Suite 3, Russellville, Ark. 72802. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.