Franklin- Shelva Atkins Edwards, 76 , widow of L.T. Edwards, Jr passed away August 28, 2015. Mrs. Edwards was a native of Southampton County and was a daughter of the late William David and Esther Joyner Atkins. She was also predeceased by a sister, Betty Hawkins and three brothers, Ed, Bill and James Atkins.

Shelva was a retired registered nurse and attended Sedley Baptist Church. She had a great love for music.

Left to cherish her memory is a daughter, Denise E. Johnson (Mike) of Courtland, one son, Larry T. Edwards (Fonda) of Chester, one sister, Dorothy Turner (Kent) of Suffolk, three brothers, Edgar Atkins (Trudy) of Courtland, John Atkins (Joanne) of Franklin and George Atkins (Gretchen) of Ivor, four grandchildren, Joseph E. Johnson, Eric M. Johnson, Sherri E. Schwartz (Russell) and Courtney Edwards, one great-grandchild, Ryan Perry Schwartz and a special friend, J.D. Spivey of Franklin.

A graveside funeral will be held at 2PM Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Southampton Memorial Park with the Rev. James Foreman officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6 to 8 PM at Wright Funeral Home and suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, 4669 South Blvd., Suite 103, Virginia Beach VA, 23452. www.wrightfuneralhome.org