Edwina (Smith) Gipson

It is with very heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing from this life of Ms. Edwina Smith Gipson, 68, of 419 Cannon Street, Roanoke, Alabama.  Ms. Gipson peacefully transitioned from this life on Friday, April 16, 2021, at Tanner Medical Center, East Alabama in Wedowee, Alabama. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the entire family.

Edwina Smith was born in Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama on November 5, 1952, to the parentage of the late King Lewis and Lillian (Johnson) Smith.

As a youngster, Edwina was affectionately known as "Polly" during her growing up years, and for a long time, very few of her friends knew her "real" name until she was much older.  At an early age, she joined Mount Bethel United Methodist Church, where she remained a member until her home going.  

She attended the historic Randolph County Training School (RCTS), later transferring to Handley High School in Roanoke, where she graduated with the first desegregated Senior class of 1970.  Many of her schoolmates remember her as a very smart student, who could accomplish anything she was motivated to accomplish.

Edwina later attended Southern Union State Community College in 1979, where she studied nursing.  She became an LPN, working at Roanoke Healthcare, Traylor Nursing Home, Pruitt Health and other Long Term Care facilities in East Alabama and West Georgia for over thirty (30) years. She was an exceptional nurse.  She loved children although she never had any of her own.  She also was fond of pets.

Edwina was preceded in death by both parents; brother, King Lewis Smith, Jr., most recently a special cousin, Barbara Nolan.  She reunited with her loved ones in eternity on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Tanner Medical Center, East Alabama in Wedowee, AL.  Thus ended her all-too-brief 68-year sojourn.

Many cherished memories remain with her brother, Joe Dukes, sister-in-law, Brenda Dukes, Special niece and caregiver, Annica Potts; Nephews: Terrell Johnson, Jerrell Johnson all of Roanoke, Alabama; Ahmad Heard of Jacksonville, NC, Joel Dukes, of Auburn, Alabama and Niece, April Denny of Wedowee, Alabama; special cousins: Barbara Brooks and Sheila Moody, (Diane); and special friends: Mevin Ann Cameron and Shannon Hughley; and lastly a host of other loving neighbors, relatives and friends.

Services for Ms. Gibson are pending and will be announced.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edwina (Smith) Gipson, please visit our floral store.