of Lonoke, AR
September 10, 1939 - December 11, 2025
Laverne Elizabeth ''Liz'' Edwards, age 86, passed December 11, 2025, peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior after a life beautifully lived and faithfully devoted to others. Born on September 10, 1939, in Little Rock, she was the sixth of ten children of the late Mark and Venious Ellis.
Liz devoted her days to loving God and loving people with sincerity, joy, and a servant's heart. A woman of unwavering faith, she proudly testified of how the Lord delivered her from alcohol, and she spent the rest of her life walking closely with Him. She served many years as a Sunday School teacher, joyfully planting seeds of the Gospel in the hearts of children and adults alike. Her Bible was well-worn, her prayers steady, and her love for the Lord evident in all she did.
Liz was truly servant of God, gentle, compassionate, patient, and endlessly giving. She was a devoted mom, nanny, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma many times over, and she cherished each generation deeply. Liz often said, ''Family is everything,'' and she lived that truth every day. Her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love.
She also found great joy in the simple, peaceful things of life. Liz loved spending time outside working in her yard, growing beautiful flowers that reflected the beauty she carried within. She treasured quiet days spent fishing and being surrounded by God's creation. And she especially cherished the time she shared with her best friend Bob, whose companionship brought her much laughter, comfort, and delight through the years.
Liz is survived by one brother and two sisters. Also left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Vivian Tabor (Earl) and Bonnie Sturch (Don) of Lonoke; her son, Calvin Edwards of Clinton; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Mark Ray Ellis; her mother, Venious Ellis; her husband, Harvey Edwards; her son, Hollis Edwards; and her daughter, Melissa Ballew.
She will be remembered for her sweet spirit, her servant's heart, and the quiet strength that carried her through every season. Her legacy lives on in the faith she lived out, the love she freely gave, the lives she influenced, and the generations she nurtured.
Though she will be deeply missed, we rejoice knowing she is now at peace, fully whole and celebrating in the presence of Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Then Jesus said, ''Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.''
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 16, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Arkansas Memorial Gardens.