God, in His infinite wisdom, dispatched an angel to claim His own, Angela Burdetta Edwards, peacefully on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at Bridgepoint Hospital in Washington, D.C.  “Angie,” as she was affectionately called, was the daughter of the late Burdett C. Edwards and Hazel C. Edwards.  She was a native of Smithfield, born on Nov. 13, 1957.

She was a graduate of Smithfield High School, where she was very active in the Beta Club and Yearbook Club, and reigned as Miss Homecoming Queen. She was also a graduate of Howard University Pharmacy Department. Her tenure as a pharmacist included work at Sibley Memorial Hospital and Rite Aid Drug Store, Washington, D.C. Angie retired on disability due to muscular dystrophy.

Realizing at an early age she needed strength and guidance, Angie joined Hill Street Baptist Church in Smithfield, under the late Rev. S.R. Williams. She was active in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, the Junior Usher Board, the Brownie Scouts and Girl Scouts. When the church relocated to Main Street and was renamed Main Street Baptist Church, she continued to be an active member until she went to college.

A person of exceptional character, she lived wisely and well. To her, life was good, and she displayed a zest for life. She rejoiced in the beauty of the world and greeted the start of each new day with anticipation and exhilaration. She was always ready to laugh or say something funny. We remember fondly her outstretched hand, her radiant smile, her calm and pleasant disposition, and her witty remarks.

Angie was a loving, devoted daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, relative and friend, the very best a family could have. She was dearly loved and admired by her nephews, who looked upon her as a role model and source of inspiration. She was very close to them and had a significant impact on their lives.

Her absence has created a huge void in our lives that will never be filled without her. Cherishing her memories are her mother, Hazel C. Edwards; brother, Burdett C. Edwards Jr. (Tonya); nephews, Marcus B. Edwards and Austin L. Edwards; aunt, Betty C. Armstrong; close cousin, Kimberly Faye (Joseph) — raised as sisters; cousins, Patricia Allen, Renee Amason, Theresa Joyce, Jacquelyn Rentsch (David), Cynthia Beathea (Handy), Robyn Moore, Pamela Moore, Lisa Oakley, Gustine Gardner, Calvin Armstrong (Monique), LeRoy Allen Jr., Herbert Edwards III (Carolyn) and many other relatives and friends.