Franklin - Lona Lee Burgess Edwards, 95, passed away April 5th, 2020 at Greensville Health and Rehab in Emporia, VA after a period of declining health. She was born November 29, 1924 in Northampton County, NC, one of 13 children to the late Levi Moore and Mary Lucy Vann Burgess.

She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years Norman H. Edwards, an infant great-grandson Garrett Riggs, and all of her brothers and sisters: Herbert, Kigh, John, Floyd, Levi Earl, twins Rubin and Ruth, Lucy Virginia Burgess, Rebie Little, Lois Jones, Ruth Grizzard, and Jessie Blythe.

She was a long time member of Sycamore Baptist Church and was a youth Sunday School teacher. Affectionately known as Mammy and Granny, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, a great cook and gardener,  and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Alan C. Edwards (Beverly) of Aylett,  VA and daughter Kay E. Vargo (James) of Boykins, VA. Grandchildren Blakley E. Olson (Mike) and Betsy E. Riggs (Brad) all of Richmond, VA, Kelly V. Byers (Adam) of Jarratt, VA, and Macon Edwards (Ashley) of Aylett, VA.  Great-Grandchildren Charlie and Yeatts Olson and Bo and Tate Riggs. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Southampton Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sycamore Baptist Church, 31120 Sycamore Church Rd., Franklin, VA 23851 or Boykins Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, PO Box 347, Boykins, VA 23827.

A special thanks to the staffs of Greensville Health and Rehab and Hospice of Virginia for their loving care in her final month.

Wright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.wrightfuneralhome.org