From obituary:

Edith Franklin Beard departed this life to join her Lord, Jesus Christ and her beloved husband of 64 years on October 31, 2001 at the age of 85. Carrington and his beloved "Annabell Lee" are together again after a one year separation. Edith was born in Dolphin Va. and was raised and educated in Appomattox, Va. where she met her husband. She resided for the past 48 years in Rockville, Va. on their beautiful "Sleepy Hollow Farm." She was a respected and well loved member of the community. She was the epitome of integrity and at the time of her death had been a member of the Goochland Baptist Church for 45 years. Edith was renowned statewide for her exquisite handwork and delicious canned goods. She was lovingly known as the "Pickle Queen". For many years she won just about every blue ribbon available in her categories at the Virginia State Fair, along with many "Best of Show" ribbons. There were several write-ups in the Richmond Times-Dispatch regarding her many accomplishments. For the past 10 years Edith held an annual three-day arts and crafts show at her home, "Sleepy Hollow Farm," drawing people from as far away as San Antonio, Texas. The show included many local artists and this event will be greatly missed. Along with her creative skills, in the early years on the farm, she worked side by side with her husband and has been known to bale hay in full make-up, jewelry and with her most beautiful straw hat placed just so on her head. A truly Southern lady at all times, she was a homemaker personified and her generosity and hospitality made her home one of warmth, where all were welcomed. Her goal in life was to serve others and this she did, beyond measure. Edith was the "Matriarch" of her family, in the very truest sense of the word. She was always there to give advice, share in the pain, and guide and direct in her kind, loving way. She is survived by her four children and their mates, Shirley and Ray Mangrum, Charles and Sue Beard, Dennis and Jessie Beard, Linda and David Selfe; 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, James Franklin and his wife, Thelma; a former daughter-in-law, Carolyn Beard; nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to mention. Proverbs 31:26-31 - "She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her saying...Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the products of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." This world will not be the same without her, but Heaven receives one of God's earthly angels. Services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 West Broad, Glen Allen. Interment will follow in the Goochland Baptist Church Cemetery. Those desiring to do so may make contributions to the Centreville Rescue Squad or the Rockville Fire Department.
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