Darwina “Dee” Catherine Edwards, born March 23, 1957, passed away September 8, 2026 at the age of 69. She was preceded in death by her mother Joan Sowa and father Roger Farris, sister Doreen Gneiser and grandson Aaron Samora II.
She is survived by her 2 sisters Delma Gneiser and Darla Green, her son Benjamin Davis, daughter JoAnne Kinder and bonus daughters Toni Edwards and Tiffany Sleeper. She was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, however, she was known as “Mom”, “Momma D”, or Granny to many.
To her friends, she was known as Ms. Dee, Sister Dee, of 1BDee.
She will always be remembered by her daily inspirationals, her songs, stories, her prayer life, prison ministry, crafts, working at CA, playing her guitar, and her warmth she gave everyone she came in contact with an made them feel special. Her smile warmed the room, along with her warm hugs. She will be greatly missed, but we know she will be enjoying her heavenly.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 1:00pm with the funeral service at 2:00pm at First Pentecostal Church – North Little Rock.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
13 Comments
Dee was always willing to listen and give hugs, reminding me that I am not alone. I am so thankful that we spent time in DC this past July she truly never met a stranger. So many hearts she touched with her kind words and gentle hands. She will no longer have back pain or struggle to walk. Our heavenly father has his trusted angel of worship home with him now. You are missed Dee.
Dee we didn’t get to know each other well, but you were always a blessing to be around. I pray your family heals with time. You will be missed by so many. I was shocked to hear the news this week. I just saw you last week. Time is short, live each day to the fullest.
Dee began working with me in 2016. We are told as supervisors to avoid “being a friend” with your staff… You could not help that with “Dee Edwards,” as I lovingly called her. We were very close friends first and coworkers second. She was full of life, full of jokes, always smiling (beautiful smile!) or laughing – and definitely made sure she put a smile on everyone else’s face! She wanted everyone to BEE happy! She never met a stranger and she always found something nice to say to everyone she came in contact with. She always had a hug for you and faithfully prayed for you. She loved the Lord and brought MANY souls to Him! As everyone has been saying when hearing the news of her passing, “you just never know when!”
You have to be ready!
It goes without saying that Dee will be incredibly missed by everyone who knew her. I thank God I did.
Ben, Toni, JoAnn and Tiffany, you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Your presence in so many lives will truly be missed and that includes me as well. You helped me and so many people in Arkansas and the Blessed Father has you in His arms now. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be a friend of yours. Praying for your family and work family for strength and comfort 🙏
Darwina was an amazing mother n law. I will miss her so much, I will miss her morning messages every morning. She was the sweetest momma I ever had. It is going to be hard not having her in my life, but she will always be in my heart forever ♥️
RIP my mom
P.s your pup pups are well taking care of.
Love you.
Mom, tomorrow I say my good bye to the woman that made me the prayer warrior I am today. You truly lead a Godly example that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will do my best to carry on your legacy and provide those daily encouraging words that touched more lives then I will ever know. It was not supposed to be this way, but GOD knows what HE is doing and I must trust the process. Thank you for being my mother, my confidant, my rock and my Godly example. Love you, praying I’ll get to see you on the other side
Dee was my wonderful friend that I enjoyed working with. I know she is with Jesus, but she will be greatly missed. Charlene Hooten
I will certainly miss my friend. I already find myself looking every morning for the Sweet text. She would always send out sometimes encouraging, sometimes funny, sometimes motivational, but always fun to get from her.
If you had her for a friend you had a loyal one and that is not true of a lot of people !
She was steadfast
she would pray with you laugh with you or Cry with you but was always there if you needed someone to talk to.
She certainly was a prayer warrior and set. Great examples about doing things for people and leaving behind a Legacy for her family and praying for them until they were in
We are still continuing to send up those prayers for her family
Go rest high on That mountain my friend you have earned your reward
Shirley Clifton
Sis Dee was a special lady to FPC. Always called me by name , big smile and a hug. My prayer are for her family. Sis Dee has gained her heavenly reward. She will be missed.
I had the privilege to work with Dee on the SMP Program. Her knowledge and support of the program will be missed. Condolences to her family, friends, and coworkers during this time.
I traveled to AR for work and was looking for a church to attend. At the end of my 1st visit Dee came up to me welcomed me to FPC and introduced herself as “Dee the hippie”. I replied I’m Cherie the hippie, and we had a good laugh. We shared our faith and inspiration. Dee will be missed. I am privileged to have had her in my life. I find comfort in the fact that Dee is looking into the face of Jesus. 💜🙏
Sister Dee was an encourager. She always had a smile and no problem seemed too big for her great God. She loved the prison ministry and took prayer very seriously. She definitely was rooted in this Acts 2:38 Truth! So thankful for her unshakable faith.
We I will truly miss the great smile and wonderful calls and trips we made in our Volunteer times we spent in doing volunteering for many services we served on. She was such a joy to be with. May God bless her family always.
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