Edna Daisy Stone was born on July 17, 1932. Edna was reared by her maternal aunt, Edna C. Whiting, in Williamsburg, Virginia, after the death of her mother. After completing high school, she pursued her education in the field of science with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. Due to family needs, Edna left school with a Master’s Degree and began teaching in Williamsburg so she could be available to help as required. While teaching, Edna met and married James W. Reed. Dr. Reed was in the military; thus, the couple spent many years traveling with the Army before being stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington State. Edna spent over fifty years as a resident of Washington. During that time, she pursued her doctorate degree, and reared the couple’s four children. She also opened an agency with partners to fulfill her dream of helping people by providing counseling services and Domestic Violence Perpetrator Treatment services.
Although her children were the focus of Edna’s life, she did have many other interests. She enjoyed traveling and had visited Europe and Africa. To celebrate her 80s, Edna took a cross-country road trip of 14,995 miles with family, planning to visit National Parks and Presidential Libraries. Edna also enjoyed an Alaskan cruise with her niece and nephew. She had plans for more trips. Many family members and friends enjoyed visits to Edna’s home throughout the years. Edna was active in organizations such as Jack and Jill and The LINKS, Incorporated, as well as being a seventy-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She was very involved at Saint John Bosco Catholic Church in Lakewood, Washington, and was active on several different committees until her death.
Friends and family described Edna as “generous,” “selfless,” and “loving.” She had a knack for drawing people from all backgrounds into her circle of chosen family and had an extensive network of people who considered her to be their second mom, auntie, and grandma. Many of Edna’s nieces and nephews considered her to be their favorite aunt, and each one was made to feel like her favorite. Edna was often viewed as a proper Southern Belle who knew the intricacies of etiquette and the social graces. She enjoyed classical music and opera. Those closest to her also knew that she was a prankster with a keen sense of humor. Edna enjoyed watching Seahawks Football and Mariners Baseball. She also played pinochle and bridge. She was self-proclaimed president of the Centenarian Club and knew how to wring every bit of joy out of life.
Edna died of congestive heart failure at Madigan Army Medical Center just weeks after celebrating her 90th birthday with family and friends. She is survived by her children, David, Robert, Mary, and Katherine; son-in-love, Andrew (Mary); daughter-in-love, Bonny (David); and grandsons, Devin, Dylan, Donovan, and Greyson; and a host of other loving relatives and friends are among those mourning her passing. Edna was predeceased by her parents, six adult siblings, and one sibling who passed at birth.
Edna lived a rich and full life despite being diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth in her twenties. If you would like to learn more about CMT, or donate in lieu of flowers, please visit https://cmtrf.org To best honor Edna’s legacy, please read a funny joke, watch a sunset, or do something that actively EMBRACES LIFE!
