Sylvia J. Edwards, 81, of New Castle passed away Christmas evening, December 25, 2021 at Henry Community Health. She was born June 7, 1940, in New Castle, a daughter of the late Gene and Helen Burgess.
Sylvia spent an active life in her community. She believed that what matters is not the duration of your life, but the donations of it. Not how long you live, but how you lived.
Having retired, after helping establish and 38 years of work with Interlocal CAP Head Start, she continued her active involvement with Henry County AIDS Community Action Group, Henry County Community Foundation Malcolm K and Sylvia J Edwards Education Fund, P.E.O. Philanthropic Education Opportunity Chapter AD, Women in Motion Inc, Henry County Youth League, American Red Cross Muncie Chapter, Psi Iota Xi, Sorosis Literary Club, College Club and the Monday Night Group.
The Sagamore of the Wabash Award was awarded to Sylvia on October 31, 2003, by Govenor Joseph Kernan for her tireless work in HIV/AIDS and Head Start. The Sagamore of the Wabash is the highest honor bestowed upon a Hoosier.
She was known for bringing warmth and a smile to everyone. She so loved her family, her companion Bill Morrell, her many many friends and was a serious Colts fan.
Sylvia is survived by a brother, Phil Burgess (wife Linda) of Muncie; a sister-in-law Libby Edwards of New Castle; five stepchildren, Julie (husband Bobby) Terry of Santa Barbara, Calif., Mike (wife Trish) Edwards of Delta Colo., Katie Edwards (husband Regi Holt) of Pendleton, Susie (husband Tad) of Gaston, Annie Edwards of Grande Junction, Colo.; eight grandchildren, Ethan Terry, Madison Terry, Ryan (wife Sarah) Edwards, Courtney (husband Andrew) Frazier, Stephen Edwards, Destin Edwards, Lily Fordyce and Lach Fordyce; six great grandchildren, Claire Edwards, Reese Edwards, Crew Frazier, June Frazier, Greyson Edwards, Wilson Edwards; nephews, Scott York, Brad Burgess; nieces, Nikki de Campos and
Mari Anna Shepherd.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Helen Burgess; husband, Malcolm Edwards; a daughter, Stephanie Herron; one sister, Carol Renegar; a brother-in-law, Martin “Chip” Edwards.
Visitation will be held at Macer-Hall-Marcum Funeral Home, 2011 East Broad St., New Castle from 11:00 a.m., until 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 3, 2022, with service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 7, 2022, in South Mound Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please support the Henry County Community Foundation, 700 S Memorial Drive, New Castle, Indiana 47362.