Betty Lou Edens, age 94, of Lumberton, NC, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025. She was born on March 9, 1931 to the late Frank Cox and Dola Watts.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edens; her son, Charles Edens, Jr.; daughter, Anne Edens; two brothers, Frank Cox, Jr., Dennis Cox and three sisters; Nina McLellan, Edna Britt and Peggy Broadwell.

Betty graduated from the nursing school affiliated with Baker Sanitarium in 1949 later graduating from UNC Pembroke with a Bachelor's degree in education and NC State University with a Master's degree in Adult Education. She taught nursing at Southern Community College and became Vice President of Nursing at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. She served on the board of directors that was instrumental in the establishment of GlenFlora assisted living facility. With her husband Charles, they established a nursing scholarship at Robeson Community College that continues to fund nursing students today.

Betty was a member of First Baptist Church, Walnut St. in Lumberton for over 60 years. She was also a longtime member of The Reviewers Book Club, Plant and Pray Garden Club and was an avid bridge player playing with her bridge club as a young woman and later with her friends when she moved to Wesley Pines in Lumberton.

Left to cherish her memories are her two daughters, Gayle Bigelow (Scott) of Lumberton and Suzy DeCuir (Peter) of Marksville, LA; five grandchildren: Jonathan, Katelin, Peter Jr., Michael (Hailey), and Charles; and two great-grandchildren, Tate and Peyton; a brother, Larry Cox of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton.