LeVerne Dedrick Edwards

LeVerne Dedrick Edwards, a beloved son, brother, husband and uncle passed away peacefully Monday, February 10, 2025 at Magnolia Manor Midway at the age of 91.

 He was born in Exum, North Carolina on August 26, 1933 but grew up in Bolivia, North Carolina both of which are in Brunswick County, North Carolina. LeVerne was a member of the Bolivia Baptist Church and attended Bolivia School where he drove a school bus while still in school. After graduating from Bolivia High School, he attended Kings College in Charlotte, North Carolina. There are numerous accounts of LeVerne riding his scooter on the roads around Bolivia and Wilmington. While in college he met and fell in love with the love of his life and his soon to be wife, Ellen Harwood. LeVerne and Ellen moved to Atlanta, Georgia and lived there several years before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina to pursue his professional career. He worked with Moore Business Forms and later the North Carolina National Bank as a forms specialist and ultimately the Bank of America. As a result of his business acumen and expertise LeVerne was selected by North Carolina Governor James Martin to serve on the Governors Efficiency Study Commission in 1985. The Commission’s recommendations were estimated to save North Carolina approximately $247,766,000 over time and a one-time savings of approximately $3,094,000. He later worked with Innovate Graphics in Charlotte and entered into a semi-retirement position toward the end of his professional career. Uncle Verne, as he is remembered by his loving family, lived a long and active life, snow skiing, riding his bicycle and going to the YMCA on a regular basis.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lester L. Edwards Sr.; his mother, Ruby Phelps Edwards; his brother, Lester L. Edwards Jr.; his brother Max T. Edwards; his sister-in law Marjorie Phelps Edwards; and his beloved wife of 59 years, Ellen Harwood Edwards. He is survived by his sister-in-law Debby Harwood Blackburn (Earl) of Elkin, NC; his nephew Billy Edwards of Hinesville, Ga. (Laneyl Owens of Dadeville, Alabama); three grand-nieces, two grand nephews and many friends.

A grave side service will be held at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, in Brunswick County, NC

at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 15, 2025 with Reverend Earl Blackburn officiating.

Carter Funeral Home, Hinesville, Georgia, is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests making donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Samaritan’s Purse.