Edna Sylvia Justus

Edna Sylvia Justus, 85, of Hendersonville went to be with her Lord Saturday, April 17, 2014 while in Beystone Health and Rehab of Fletcher.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, she was the daughter of the late Edgar Sevier and Cora Ward Justus. She was also preceded in death by a twin brother, Edgar Sevier Justus II and four sisters, Blanche Justus, Florence Erwin, Ethel Smith and Charlotte Terry.

Edna was a graduate of Hendersonville High School and received her RN degree from Fletcher Hospital School of Nursing in 1950. She was employed by Mountain Sanitarium and Hospital of Fletcher, assisting with the delivery and care of hundreds of newborn babies throughout Henderson County. So great was her love for ìher babies,î

Edna continued in this same employment at the same facility for 30 years. In addition to excelling in her own career, Ms. Justus was highly esteemed by student nurses with whom she worked. Through her kindness, patience, gentleness, understanding and guidance, Edna was a huge encouragement to her students.

After retiring, Edna received great joy in serving her church and community. She, along with Margaret Tate and Sara Quick, was involved in planning and serving church meals. Each Tuesday she prepared lunch for the Community Thrift Store workers. As part of her church ministry, Edna chose flowers weekly which she lovingly arranged into bouquets and delivered to each patient in the hospital.

Edna enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She always brought special joy to family gatherings. Her labors of love, preparing food and handmade gifts, will long be cherished by all who received them.

Ms. Justus is survived by her four nephews, Tommy Smith of Charlotte, Albert Erwin of Lyman, SC, Edgar S. Justus III of Virginia Beach, VA, and Mike Justus of Richmond, VA; two nieces, Barbara Wensus of Columbia, MD and Mary Ellen Knott of Naples; several great-nieces and nephews, plus many great-great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express special thanks to those at Beystone who lovingly cared for Edna. A big ìThank Youî to Shirley Stines and her staff at Four Seasons Hospice for kind, compassionate care in Ednaís closing days. We also want to express appreciation to Sherri Evans, Margaret Tate, Sara Quick and the host of others who so faithfully visited Edna at Beystone.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Ivan Blake will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church Building Fund, 1141 Howard Gap Road, Hendersonville, N C 28792, or to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.