Obituary of Edith P Roberts

Edith Putnam Roberts, 92, passed away January 7, 2012 at her home near Pikeville. Born April 9, 1919, the daughter of Winnie Samuel and Gertrude Patton Putnam, she was preceded by her parents, her husband of thirty-two year, Gordon Roberts; sister Edna and brother Wilber Putnam. She is survived by sister-in-law Edna Pearl Putnam; nephews Wilber Samuel (Sue) Putnam, Jr. and James Douglas Putnam; great niece Leslie Haston; great nephews Paul and John David (Israela) Putnam; several great-great-nieces and nephews all of Pikeville. Other close to Edith are first cousins Roy and Joan Patton and her caregivers of seven years, Senia Anderson and family. Valedictorian of Bledsoe County High School Class of 1939, she received a B. A. degree from Bob Jones College, and an M. A. from The University of Tennessee. After teaching English for four years at Bob Jones College, she returned to Bledsoe County to marry and taught English and Bible at Bledsoe County High for nineteen years. She has appreciated the many students who have visited and kept in contact over the years since, as well as, those of her friends and church family who have visited, brought meals, shown love, and helped in inumerable ways. She was a member of The First Baptist Church of Pikeville for over seventy-six years, having committed her life to Jesus Christ there at age sixteen. Edith enjoyed reading, preparing wonderful food for family and friends, teaching Sunday School for many years and was known for the beautiful gardens she and Gordon created together. Friends will be received at Putnam-Reed Funeral Home in Pikeville on Tuesday 4-9 pm CST. The service will be at First Baptist Church at 106 Cumberland Avenue in Pikeville at 2:00 pm CST Wednesday with burial in Pikeville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Edith requested memorials to the Mission Fund of the church. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, Hwy 127 South, Pikeville, TN.