Betha Fern Edwards

Thursday, November 25, 2021 was truly a day of Thanksgiving as Fern Edwards gently slipped the bonds of earth to rejoice in her new, eternally healthy spirit. She passed peacefully at home, wrapped with the warmth of a fire in the fireplace and the love of her family. Betha Fern Covington was born December 16, 1931 in Gassville, AR to Don and Edna Covington. A few years later, her family returned to the Texas Panhandle where Fern spent her childhood and graduated from Borger High School. While attending West Texas State College in Canyon, she was set up on a blind date with Tracy Wayne Edwards, who persevered and eventually charmed her into becoming his wife on January 28, 1951. Fern and Wayne were residents of Dumas for 70 years. Working side-by-side as co-owners of Witt-Edwards Pontiac with Warren and Arletta Witt, they later became sole owners of Edwards Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge-Jeep-Ram in 1972. While raising their four children, they traveled to more than 20 countries, happily celebrating 64 years of marriage.Fern was an active supporter of Dumas, beginning with her early job as secretary to the Chamber of Commerce manager. She taught Sunday School and was an active member in the Women’s Society of Christian Service at First United Methodist Church, later becoming an active member and youth supporter at First Baptist. Always interested in her children’s activities, she was a Tri-Hi-Y and Junior Cotillion sponsor. Her organizational talents were evident throughout initiatives taken to improve her community, including the implementation of the Dumas Council of the National Affiliate of Illiteracy Advancement, and the first community effort to provide hospice services, where she served as treasurer for several years. Fern was an excellent cook and the Edwards household was often filled with the aromas of baked goods and family meals. There was always room for one or even ten more at their table.Even in her last days, Fern’s dry wit, sharp mind, and take-charge attitude were always present. She planned and directed an early Thanksgiving dinner for 13 family members, less than a week before her passing. Her pranks and competitiveness were often exhibited around a card table, playing bridge and other games with friends and family. Fern was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers J.D. and Bob. She is survived by her sisters Donna Scott of Fritch and Murrel Denbow of Clute, daughters Belinda Brice of Oviedo, FL and Teresa Edwards of Austin, sons Tracy Edwards (Freida Henderson) of Lubbock and Gary Edwards (Crisann Skinner) of Dumas. Her devotion to and nurturing of her grandsons will have an everlasting impact on Taylor Edwards of Dallas, Alex Edwards of Dallas, Brad Brice (Heidi) of Winter Park, FL and their children Leyton and Emma, and Patrick Brice (Kellie) of Oviedo, FL and their children Jackson and Garret. She also is treasured by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.The family is grateful for the extraordinary service and staff of the Dumas Fire Department and EMTs, her caregivers Abby, Anel, Dulce, Leanor and Veronica, and the entire Hospice nursing team.Visitation is Thursday, December 2 from 5:30 to 7pm at Beeson-Morrison Funeral home. Graveside service will be Friday December 3 at 10am at Dumas Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11am at First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Dumas Meals on Wheels (PO Box 1535, Dumas TX 79029) or Window on the Plains Museum (1820 S. Dumas Ave, Dumas TX 79029).