Christabell Graham Edwards
Join us in celebrating Christabell—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Chris Edwards, formerly of Waynesboro and Staunton, died Wednesday, July 13th 2022. Born Christabell Graham on February 4, 1928 in the Deerfield valley on a large farm, her childhood was a blended mix of chores and the loving guidance of parents, Edward and Mabel Armstrong Graham, who stressed education, music, religion and independence for her as well as her 5 brothers and 3 sisters.
Upon completion of public school in Augusta County at age of 16, she taught grade school in Churchville. She then worked at The Staunton News Leader as a reporter, honing her illustrious writing and verbal skills, as well as beginning her college education. During WWII, Chris moved to Baltimore with her sister, who was working for the government, to aid in war efforts. Post-war, she returned to the News Leader and began dating Kenneth Edwards, culminating in their marriage in 1949.
Chris then become reporter and photographer for The Fiber Facts, plant newspaper at DuPont in Waynesboro. Chris and Kenneth made their contribution to the baby boom with two daughters. Ever driven for more, Chris returned to James Madison University and soon completed her bachelors in education while the girls were small. She immediately stepped into their masters degree program in Education with successful completion of that goal as well. These accomplishments resulted in a position teaching world history and geography at John Lewis Junior High in Staunton. While teaching there, she pursued and received a masters in Counseling at the University of Virginia. She was soon offered a position in the Waynesboro school system as a high school guidance counselor, where she guided many youth through their educational pursuits, and helped them navigate adolescence for 35 years.
Chris had a life full of outside interests as well. She spent many years serving as an American Red Cross swimming instructor. She loved to sing and beginning at a young age, she and her 3 sisters (The Graham Sisters) sang as a group for public and church functions, as well as on weekly radio with exceptional harmonies. She sang in the choir of First Baptist Church in Staunton, and upon moving to Waynesboro, with the St. John's Episcopal Church choir for over 35 years. History and genealogy were also key interests, which spurned the research to become an active member of the Colonel James Patton chapter of NSDAR in Waynesboro where she held various positions. She was most proud to have served on the board of directors at Blue Ridge Community College for many years. She was active in politics, Women's Club, served on many community boards and committees, and upon retirement, challenged herself with bridge clubs and gardening.
Her lifelong passion was travel and the educational experience it provided, which blossomed into helping others experience culture with over 30 years of planning and guiding annual tours and cruises, during which she covered six continents and countless countries.
Now taking her final rest after a full and busy life, she is survived by daughters Susan and Penny, grandsons Kenneth M. Edwards, Edward and Eric Golden, great granddaughter Estella, one brother, Ray Graham of West Augusta, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
All are welcome to gather with her family in her memory and share stories following private internment, in the nave at St. John's Episcopal Church in Waynesboro at 1 pm on Saturday, July 23. No flowers please. If a donation is desired on her behalf, please consider St. John's Episcopal Church as an option.
Condolences may be shared at kygers.com.