Thank you for coming to help us celebrate the life of Ada Winters Eddins. Who was Ada and what was she like? She started life as part of a large family, the middle child of 11 surviving children. They lived on a large farm in Arkansas and they had to be self-sufficient. This was especially the case since they lost their mother when Ada was only 11 years old. The children divided the chores. Ada rose early every morning to milk the cows and operate the milk processing machinery. She later left home to attend the University of Arkansas for almost 2 years. It was not as common for women in those days as now. Mother lived in the 4-H club facility and paid for her fees by providing canned goods that she prepared herself. Her pictures as a young woman show an endearing vulnerability and humility. Her virtues attracted Tilman Eddins and they were married in 1942. They shared their early years in different locations in the states as he was in the armed forces. The war ended and following his honorable discharge they made Memphis their home some time in 1946.
It was in Memphis that they remained and where they raised their 3 children. Throughout those 62 years, she faithfully served and ministered at the Berclair Church of Christ. Mother was unpretentious, always upbeat, a positive example to all. Mother may have lived in the mid-South’s largest city for all that time but her farm-girl connection to the earth never ceased. She was a lifelong gardener. Mother loved working out of doors with flowers and vegetables. Mother had a specific genius for certain domestic things. For example, her green beans are unmatched by any one anywhere.
She was always there for her family. Mother lived for loving her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and helped as long as she was able. Only a few weeks ago she rocked her youngest great-grandchild to sleep. And recently, during her last hospital stay, upon hearing that one of her adult grandchildren was under the weather and a little bit sick, she said “He should come over to my house and I’ll take care of him.” That was so typical and characteristic of her. Mother was always taking care of us and providing support and stability. And she will continue to do so as she lives in our hearts and memories.
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I read the above at my mother-in-law's funeral on Saturday.
