Opal Ruth Edwards

Mrs. Opal Ruth Carver Free Edwards, age 80, of Bent Creek Drive, Rome, GA, the Gardens Lakes Community, died Tuesday afternoon, March 12, 2013, at her residence.

Mrs. Edwards was born on October 27, 1932, in Cleburne County, AL, the daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Carver and the late Eula Mae Moore Carver. She had spent the greater part of her life in Marietta, GA, and Rome and attended Alto Park School. Mrs. Edwards was a member of the Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church and the Adult Sunday School Class. For a period of time Mrs. Edwards was associated with Champion Garments of Rome, Integrated Products of Rome and was a licensed barber at Graystone Barber Shop in Rome. For a period of time she served as a barber in Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Edwards was married to Mr. Raymond Charles "Ray" Edwards on October 2, 1986, who preceded her in death on March 12, 2004. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Ott in 2009, and a brother, Dewey Carver in 2012.

Mrs. Edwards is survived by a daughter, Cathy Mitchell of Fort Payne, AL; a son, Barry Free of Rome; three grandchildren, Rodney Blankenship, II (Tammy), of Fort Payne, Kirk Blankenship (Paige) of Gaylesville, AL, and Lindsey Donavon (Patrick) of Newport News, VA. Ten great-grandchildren, Levi Blevins, Kaley Blankenship, Laci Blankenship, Skylar Blankenship, Braxton Blankenship, McKenzie Blankenship, Dylan Eaton, Silas Blankenship, Thad Donovan and Piper Donovan, and a number of step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren also survive as do two sisters, Eunice Torkkola (Jerry) of Rome, and Alice Bradfield of Rome; one brother, Duel Carver (Aneita) of Armuchee, GA. Three step-daughters, Linda Edwards of Roswell, GA, Debbie Edwards of Blairsville, GA, and Jennifer Worthy (Brian) of Palm Harbor, FL; one step-son, Raymond Charles "Chip" Edwards, Jr. (Nancelia) of Atlanta, GA. Her best friend, Genoka McSwain, also survives.

Funeral services for Opal Ruth Carver Free Edwards will be held on Friday afternoon, March 15, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. in the Parkview Chapel of Fred Talley's Funeral Home with Reverend Mac McCurry officiating. Interment will follow in the Polk Memory Gardens, Cedartown, GA.

Mrs. Edwards will remain at Fred Talley's Parkview Chapel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends this (Thursday) evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. At other hours they will be at the residence.

The following gentlemen will serve as active pallbearers, Chip Edwards, Levi Blevins, Tony Carver, Mike Carver, John Carter and Skylar Blankenship.

Please join the family in honoring the life of Opal Ruth Carver Free Edwards by visiting www.talleysparkviewchapel.com and posting your tributes and memories.

Fred Talley's Parkview Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Opal Ruth Carver Free Edwards.