Edna Strickland Bridges Beaver, 89, passed from our lives on July 5, 2019. To her family and friends Edna was one of the greatest souls on this earth. Her endless compassion, selfless doing for others beyond belief, strength, and love have a left a deep and lasting impression upon us all. "A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." - Poet Maya Angelou. This was Edna. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who loved her family and friends with all of her heart. Her gift was that each person lucky enough to know her understood that she genuinely cared for them and would help them in any way she could, always putting others before herself. She was a shining example of goodness and kindness. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Edna retired after working 34 years with the NC State Board of Education. She was a devoted member of  North Street Baptist Church (now called New Quest Fellowship) for over 65 years.

Edna was the daughter of the late Everette and Adell Strickland of Wendell, NC. She was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

She was also preceded in death by her first husband of 33 years, Wilber C. Bridges, and second husband of 19 years, McCoy E. Beaver.

Edna is survived by her son James Brantley Bridges (Deborah), her daughter Judy Bridges Sexton (Glenn), and grandson Jason Anthony Sexton (Raiza); three stepchildren, Tim Beaver (Carolyn), David Beaver (Cindy), Pamela Beaver Forrest (Benji); four step grandchildren, Adam Beaver (Linda), Andrew Beaver (Heather), Katie Beaver Hennelotter (Bill), and Whitney Beaver; and six step great grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother Ronnie Strickland (Beverly), and one sister-in-law, Peggy Bridges (her very special best friend of 70 years).

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial gifts to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, or your church or favorite charity. A graveside funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 11:00 am at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC, 27603