Carol Durette Edwards

Carol Durette Edwards, age 89, died peacefully on December 27, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Carol was born on August 1, 1936, in Smithfield, Ohio, to Lorena and William Mallernee. She was the youngest of four daughters and grew up on a farm outside of Sunbury, Ohio, alongside her three older sisters, Mildred, Betty, and Marguerite.

Her childhood included close family bonds and memories of being mothered by her older sisters. Carol enjoyed reminiscing about the pony that her father gave her as a birthday gift as a child. She graduated from Big Walnut High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and subsequent husband, Virgil Robert Edwards.

On August 24, 1957, Carol married Robert in Delaware, Ohio. Carol and Robert worked together for years in the restaurant industry. Their marriage was a true partnership rooted in family, shared adventures, and enduring love, that lasted more than 50 years until Robert’s passing in 2008. Carol maintained a career in the restaurant and retail industries until retirement.

Carol had a remarkable talent for making life feel festive and warm. She loved cooking and decorating for every holiday, transforming her home into a magical wonderland that reflected her joy and creativity. She also delighted in “treasure hunting” at garage sales, a passion she shared with Robert. Together they spent countless weekends searching for hidden gems, restoring found treasures, and building collections that told the story of a life well-loved and well lived. Carol’s creativity extended to writing poetry, and in her later years, many happy hours spent on artwork.

Being a mother was Carol’s most treasured role. She was deeply involved in the lives of her family and, over the years, had the opportunity to care for many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A woman of deep faith, Carol cultivated a strong and lasting community through her church in Ocala during her retirement years. Those friendships remained dear to her heart for many years afterward. In more recent times, she especially enjoyed participating in Bible studies through the Englewood Baptist Church, which brought her comfort, purpose, and connection—something for which her family remains grateful.

Carol is survived by her son David B. Edwards of Jacksonville and his wife, Anita; her grandchildren Emily Edwards, Matt Edwards, Amber Thomas, Katie Long, Adam Edwards, and Aaron Edwards; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Robert Edwards; her daughter, Deborah Lynn Long of Gainesville, FL; and her son, Michael Robert Edwards of Dallas, TX.

Carol will be laid to rest beside her husband at Bushnell Florida Veterans Cemetery.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, and remembrances should be directed to Englewood Baptist Church.

Carol will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her enjoyment of home and tradition, and the many years of love she shared with those around her.