Irene Runnion Edwards passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Mars Hill Manor in Mars Hill, NC. Born on April 1, 1927 in Madison County, NC, she graduated from Marshall High School, "on the island," and attended Mars Hill College. She was employed as the china, crystal, and wedding consultant for Belk-Penland Department Store in Marshall for several years before marriage, continuing a lifelong interest in cooking and entertaining, a passion passed down from her mother. Irene was a member of First Baptist Church Weaverville for 60 years, serving as President of the Women's Missionary Union, longtime teacher of the Bess Tilson Sprinkle Sunday School class, and for decades on the Bereavement Committee, providing countless casseroles, desserts, and solace to grieving church members. From childhood, Irene was known for her beautiful soprano voice. She and her husband Dawn were faithful members of the adult choir, where they sang from the time they joined the church in 1965. She served as a member of the inaugural board of Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater, and for many years was a volunteer in the pediatric ICU at Mission Hospital in Asheville. She and Dawn instilled a love of music and theatre in their three children, and spent many years traveling the country, attending their opening and closing nights. A gracious hostess and loving friend, Irene was the quintessential Southern lady.

Irene is survived by her daughters, Linda Edwards (and J. Jette) Campbell of Charlotte, and Carol Ann Edwards (and the late Stephen) Nasser of Chicago; grandsons Michael Dawn (and Stephanie) Edwards, Coleman David Campbell, and Chase Edward Nasser; four great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Judah, Abigail, and Gabrielle Edwards, and many devoted friends, particularly Patty and Wayne Higgins.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Dawn A. Edwards, parents Frank and Clemmie, brother Coleman, and by her beloved son, Jason David.

There will be a visitation at 11:00 am, followed by a service of celebration at noon on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at the First Baptist Church Weaverville.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org