Mrs. Allene Edwards of West Jefferson passed away at her residence early in the morning on Thursday, March 20, 2014. She was 83.

She was born on May 9, 1930, to the late William Riley Ham and Estella Mae Wilcox.

A much loved daughter, wife, mother, and sister, Allene's greatest joy was her family. She married Jimmy J. Edwards on Aug. 23, 1952. They were married for 51 years and had four children together. Allene took pride in her work in the medical field, working in Ashe Memorial Hospital and as a Certified Nursing Assistant for Dr. Tarnasky and Dr. Kurtz for a number of years. She was a member of Beaver Creek Christian Church for many years.

A lover of flowers, music, and photographs, Allene was sentimental at heart but known for her lively spirit and quick wit. She had a one-of-a-kind laugh, and her family enjoyed hearing it often since, no matter the circumstances, Allene knew how to make light of a situation. Saying how you feel was a virtue to her, and because of this there was not a sibling, child, or grandchild who did not know how much she loved them.

In addition to her husband Jimmy, Allene was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Denver Ham; three half-brothers, Dale, Dean, and Ed Ham; one half-sister, Edna Ham Carpenter; and her grandson, Alex Cope.

She is survived by two brothers, Fred Ham (Gwen) and Darrell Ham (Mary); and a sister, Volree Good, with whom she shared a close friendship. Allene cared deeply for her children and their families and always helped them in any way she could. She is survived by two sons, Doug (Nancy) and Randall; two daughters, Shelia Cope and Sharon Cheek (Neal); six grandchildren, Jeremy Greer, Tim Edwards, Kristin Edwards, Meridith Whitaker (Will), Dylan Cheek, and Kaitlyn Cheek; and one great-grandson, Sebastian Greer.

The family received friends at Beaver Creek Christian Church in West Jefferson on Saturday, March 22, 2014 and a 1 p.m. funeral service followed. Rev. Loren Lung and Dr. Robert Shannon officiated.

In her memory, memorials may be made to Beaver Creek Christian Church or The .

You may give the family your condolences at our website www.boonefuneralhome.com.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of these arrangements.