Edna (Forrester) Westmoreland

 Edna F. Westmoreland

WOODRUFF- Mary Edna Forrester Westmoreland, one of Woodruff’s colorful characters, died Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the age of 99, at the Fountain Inn Nursing Home.  Edna was the sole surviving member of 11 children, she was born December 8, 1918 to the late Thomas A. and Pezzie Beulah Henson Forrester.

  In 1937 Edna married John White Westmoreland now deceased.  They had 7 children, Jim (Pam) Westmoreland of Leavenworth, Kansas, Max (Kathy) Westmoreland of Arlington, Virginia, Minnie W. Smith of the home, John (Phyllis) Westmoreland of Hampton, S.C., Joe (Andrea) Westmoreland of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., Allen (Sherry) Westmoreland of Woodruff and Bill Westmoreland of the home; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren plus many nieces, nephews and their children.

  Miss. Edna became known as the area’s historian.  She became a primary genealogical researcher to determine how her mother-in-law, Minnie Woodruff Westmoreland, could be cousin to everyone in Woodruff and beyond.  Miss. Edna developed a copious hand-written library in her quest.  It became usual for searchers from every state to appear on Miss. Edna’s porch to find their Woodruff roots.

  Miss. Edna was an artisan at quilting, porcelain doll-making and crocheting.  Since she wanted her flowers while she lived she proceeded to build, plant and maintain many flower beds adorning her yard.

  In the past years she has enjoyed being in her “store” to meet and chat with her friends over fresh produce from the vegetable gardens around her home.  Miss. Edna considered giving her 7 children all the education they would take as her greatest accomplishment.

  Miss. Edna retired from Mills Mill Plant #2 formerly in Woodruff as a weaver and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Woodruff.

  Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Woodruff by Rev. Andrew Shull.  A private interment will follow in Woodruff Memorial Gardens.

  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00-12:45 in the church vestibule.

  The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Bethel Cemetery Fund C/O First Baptist Church of Woodruff, 801 Cross Anchor Road, Woodruff, S.C. 29388.

  The family is at their respective homes.

                                                                                                                Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary

                                                                                                                Woodruff