Elizabeth Edwards

On Monday, October 23, 2017, Elizabeth ?Betty' Edwards lost her long fight with Alzheimer?s disease, while her husband and daughter held her close. Elizabeth was 77. Elizabeth was born in Chino Valley, AZ to the late Joseph B Ferra and Genoveva Laborin Ferra. Elizabeth often shared stories of her wonderful childhood growing up with 14 brothers and sisters and two very patient parents. Elizabeth chose a life to serve others. She served in the United States Army followed by a long career as an RN. Most of her surgical nursing career took place at the Phoenix VA Hospital. In 1982, she moved to Corpus Christi, TX with her husband Tom. While in Corpus Christi, Betty and her husband started a family by welcoming a baby girl in 1985. Elizabeth was actively involved in her church, St. Thomas Catholic Church and in community affairs while living in Corpus Christi. She was active in her local parish and was constantly engaged in community outreach, fund raising and supporting her daughter. She was a loving wife who enjoyed traveling the world with her husband and family. In 2009, Betty and her husband moved to the beautiful mountains of Tennessee. Here they laid down roots and enjoyed the time they had left together. Elizabeth had a heart of gold and made friends everywhere she went. She had a way of bringing joy and laughter to everyone she met. Elizabeth was a big personality who will always be with those who love her. She was a parishioner at St. Mary?s Catholic Church. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by: 10 siblings, John B. Ferra, Vernon Ferra, Clarita ?Clara' Wood, Albert Ferra, Joseph B. Ferra, Jr., Genevieve Jean Wood, Dorothy Dolata, Emilio Ferra, Sarah Boccanfuso and Manuel Ferra. Survivors include: her husband of 35 years, Thomas Edwards; one daughter, Mary Edwards Olson and her husband Christopher; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Tucker Olson; four siblings, Marie Schmit, Richard Ferra, James ?Jimmy' Ferra, and George Ferra; numerous nieces and nephews. The family of Betty Edwards will receive friends from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM Saturday, October 28, 2017 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church. Mass will follow at 1:00 PM. A committal service will be held Monday, October 30, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Please meet at the cemetery at 9:50 AM. In her final year we were blessed to have the love and support of all who cared for Elizabeth at Dominion Senior Living of Johnson City and caregivers Bedar and Karen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elizabeth Edwards Grant for Hope at https://www.gofundme.com/elizabeth-edwards-grand-for-hope.