BETTY LOU EDWARDS

April 14, 1935 - February 19, 2021

Betty Lou Edwards passed away peacefully in Bakersfield, CA on Friday, February 19, 2021 at age 85.

Betty was born on April 14, 1935 in Chekotah, OK to Henry William and Nola Caroline (Emberson) Grider. Her family migrated to California that same year to seek a better life during the Great Depression and to leave the devastation of the Dust Bowl behind.

Betty's creative gift for decorating, jewelry design, writing and fashion are well known to all who knew her. She had a compassionate and generous heart, donating her time and creativity for many of her later years to Assistance League Bakersfield, especially the Bargain Box and Operation School Bell which provides children with new clothes for school. She worked for many years for the Kern County Firefighters, IAFF Local 1301, and in real estate sales for Century 21 Minner Realty. She was known for her quick wit, her infectious laugh, her love of country music and for bringing the party to the party.

Betty was preceded in death by her father, Henry, mother Nola (Armitstead), sister Shirley Ann (Aguirre), brother Robert Ray Grider and her husband Vernon Lee Edwards. She is survived by her two children, Herbert Edward Davis IV, Kevin Dale Engellenner, sister Mary Ellen (Collup), half-sister Leslie J. Roberts, granddaughter Selina Lynne, grandsons Jeffrey Edward and Gregory Neil, several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and her BFF, Judy Thomas.

Betty's wish for the hereafter was to donate her body for medical research which she accomplished. She lives on in our hearts and hopefully in future people and places unknown. In lieu of funeral services or flowers, donations may be made to the Bakersfield Assistance League Bargain Box or the charity of your choice. Betty didn't want for herself, but rather for those more in need.

www.bakersfield.com/obits