Edith Owen Wilder, 99
September 1, 1926 – May 1, 2026
Edith Owen Wilder passed away on May 1, 2026, in New Albany, Mississippi, at the age of 99.
She was born on September 1, 1926, in Union County, Mississippi, to the late Robert Lee Owen and Myrtle Randolph Owen. Edith lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and the simple joys that brought beauty to everyday living. She was a loving, creative, and faith-filled woman whose presence brought comfort and warmth to those around her.
Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Y. Wilder, with whom she shared more than 40 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on love, hard work, and family. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, LaDonna Wilder; her grandson, Robert Mike Wilder; her sister, Nannie Lee Tidwell; and her brothers, Leon Owen, J.W. Owen, Ernest “Snap” Owen, her twin brother -Enoch Owen, Charles “Todd” Owen, and Rudolph Owen.
She is survived by her children, Carolyn Dees and her husband Richard of New Albany, Janice Tennyson and her husband Gary of Birmingham, Alabama, and Robert “Bob” Wilder of Slaton, Texas. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Brian Wilder and his wife Monica, Jennifer Hardy and her husband Gabe, Christina Worby and her husband Ryan, Lisa Gonzales and her husband Chris, Emily Ruiz and her husband Ronnie, Mark Dees and his wife Michelle, Amanda Dees Mooneyhan and her husband Tracy, Laura Adams and her husband Jay, Anna Nance, and Rebecca Bowen and her husband Bo. Her legacy continues through 23 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her great pride and joy.
Edith retired from the Irwin B. Schwabe Shirt Factory after years of dedicated work. She was known for her steady spirit and her willingness to give her best in all that she did. Outside of work, she found joy in quilting and sewing for her family, creating treasured pieces that reflected her love and care. She also enjoyed working in her yard and tending to her flowers, finding peace and satisfaction in caring for the beauty around her.
A faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Edith remained active in church life until just a week before her death. Her Christian faith was central to her life, and she lived it with quiet strength, humility, and grace. She was a woman who encouraged others through her example and who remained steadfast in her beliefs throughout her life.
Edith will be remembered for her loving heart, her creative hands, and her unwavering faith. Her life was a blessing to her family and all who knew her, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved.
A visitation will be held at United Funeral Service on Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until funeral service time at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Steve Littleton and Bro. Lou Zemek will officiate. Burial will be at Glenfield Memorial Gardens.
United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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