September 7, 2016
Louetta Edwards Goates, age 84, of Harrison, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 7, 2016, with her family at her bedside. She was born December 16, 1931, at Port Arthur, Texas, the daughter of Lawrence E. and Lorena (Hendon) White. Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Ray G. Edwards whom she married in 1950; her second husband, Sam Goates whom she married in 1981; a son, Wade Ray Edwards; a granddaughter, Laura Grace Sumers; and eight brothers and sisters.
Lou was a giving, loving and selfless mother, grandmother and friend to many. She always put others above herself. She lived her life dedicated to serving her Heavenly Father. Lou retired from Farmers Home Administration. She was active in the B&PW Club. She served at Erbie Church with her husband Ray for many years. When she married Sam in 1981 they worked together with Western Grove Bible Church and Rock Haven Ministries until Sam's death. Lou served as a volunteer for the hospital auxiliary. She lived her life caring for others and sharing her faith. She was a member of Northvale Baptist Church. Lou was an excellent cook and loved cooking for her family and enjoyed having her house full with family and friends.
Lou is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Lilya Edwards, of Collierville, Tennessee; her son, Harvey Edwards and his fiancée Kate Novy, of Charlotte, North Carolina; her daughters and sons-in-law, Sherry and Roy Choate, of Marble Falls, Arkansas, Diana and Dave Owens of Marble Falls, Susan and Kirt Sumers of Valley Springs, Arkansas and Sheri and Tony Rosenberg of Western Grove, Arkansas; nine grandchildren, Nathaniel Sumers, Josh Rosenberg, Samantha Rosenberg Stewart, Ashlee Choate Davidson, Lacey Rosenberg Williams, Wade Ray Owens, Nicole Choate McDonald, Madison Edwards and Lauren Edwards; thirteen deeply loved great-grandchildren; her sister, Juanita Johnson; two sisters-in-law, Ramah Edwards and Joie Stevens; her brother-in-law, Harvey Edwards and his wife Ellen; and other family and friends.
Visitation was Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Funeral service was Monday, September 12, 2016, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Rev. Byron Cothran officiating. Burial was in White Church Cemetery.
Family served as pallbearers.
A special thank you from Lou's family to Legacy Hospice for their genuine, loving care.
Diana, I am so sad for your loss. With all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family, there's a lot of her left behind to remember and cherish. I love you and I am praying for you and your family.
In Christ,
Janine Edwards
Thank you, Aunt Lou, for all the love and all the memories. You've touched so many hearts in so many ways, the treasure of you can never be matched.... to my cousins, our hearts and prayers are with you, we love you.
Lou, the best sister a girl could ever have. I love you always.
We are so very sorry to hear of Lou's passing and will be praying for you all as you go through this heartbreaking time. We know God has a beautiful Angel in Lou and we pray for peace, comfort and strength for you all. Lou was a fine woman and we can remember her laughter and love for others. She was a joy to know. God bless you all.
I love you Aunt Lou! You surely will be missed by all. See you again in Heaven.
Sherry, Diane and the entire family. Ted and I are so sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. During this very difficult time please rest in His love and comfort and know that we are praying for all of you.
Sherry, Diane, Derek and Harvey,
We are so very sorry to hear of Lou's passing. Your mother will forever hold a special place in my heart, along with the wonderful memories our families made together through the years living in the Erbie community. Lou was a living testimony of God's love, evidenced by the selfless, loving, and generous manner by which she lived, and freely gave to all who knew her. She was a blessing - one that God called home to rest in His arms for eternity. She will be forever missed by so many. Praying that His strength, comfort and peace will see you through this very difficult time.
Love always,
Don, Cindy & Garrett Aiken
Sherry and Diana
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I can still remember
the times that I spent at your house when we were kids.
Great times . Your mother was a very special lady and
will be missed greatly .
Praying for the both of you
Vickie Bartholomew
Our family was so saddened to hear of the passing of Lou. She was such a special Christian woman~always smiling and giving of herself to others. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you at this sad time. May God wrap his arms of love around your family and give you peace knowing Lou is in the arms of her Savior.
Thoughts with the Edwards Goats family. How you touch people and the memories you make is the most we can ask for in this life and Lou made many of those. Love to all.
Enjoyed Lou and Sam's friendship while we were in Harrison. Prayers for the family.
Praying for all of you during this time of loss for your family. Lou was a great friend to me and helped me in many ways through the years and know she will be greatly missed by many.
ALloyd,
I'm so sorry to hear about Lou's passing. Her and Sam were good to me when I was growing up and would visit Western Grove Bible Church or go to Rock Haven for camp.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wes, Melissa, Tyler, Emma, Abbi & Lexi Sisco