Mrs. Melvin Rebecca Braddy Exum Reid Edwards, 85, of Roanoke Rapids died Monday, May 6, 2019 in Signature Healthcare.

Born in Emporia, VA, on May 26, 1933, she was the daughter of Frank Elvin and Rosa Barfield Braddy, both of whom preceded her in death.

Mrs. Edwards was also predeceased by husbands, Johnnie Wallace Reid and Rodney Edwards; and sisters, Gladys Sasser and Shirley Ferguson.

Mrs. Edwards retired from JP Stevens.  She loved to cook, crochet and enjoyed taking care of children.  A member of Maranatha Baptist Church, she loved worshiping as long as her health permitted.   Mrs. Edwards was also an avid collector of assorted items.

Survivors include her sons, James William "Jimmy" Exum and his wife Vicki, of Roanoke Rapids, Richard Lee "Ricky" Exum (Gail) of Lake Gaston, and Johnnie "Pete" Reid of Roanoke Rapids; her daughter, Belinda Reid Cannon (Wayne) of Roanoke Rapids; a sister, Doris Braddy Murray (Mike) of Norfolk; seven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 10:45 am Friday at Good News Baptist Church, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 am in the church sanctuary.  Pastors Michael Little and Jimmy King will preside. Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at hockadayfs.com

Memorial contributions may be sent to St Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Arrangements for Mrs. Edwards are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.