Edna Aldridge

Edna Earle Evans Aldridge, 89, of Harrison, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.She was a loving wife, caring mother, proud grandmother, great-grandmother and loyal friend. She was a faithful Christian who devoted her life to serving the Lord. With her warm smile and outgoing personality, she made friends wherever she went. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her.Edna was born in Chattanooga where she attended Eastdale Elementary, Brainerd Junior High School and Chattanooga Central High School. She recently attended her 70th high school reunion for the class of 1942. She graduated from McKenzie Business College and was employed as a secretary for Corley Manufacturing Co. She was a member of Eastdale United Methodist Church where she and her family remained actively involved until its closing.In 1945, Edna married Cecil Aldridge and they remained happily wed for 63 years until his passing in 2008. They had four children, after which she took positions as a school secretary within the Chattanooga City School System. She and her family resided in Harrison for many years where she was an active member of St. John United Methodist Church. Edna was a member of the choir and was also in charge of the church memorials. Edna enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, participating in various church events, and traveling with the Dalewood Lakeside Lions' Club.Edna was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Leila Evans; two siblings, Lois McDowell and Earl Evans Jr.; and her husband, Cecil Aldridge, Sr. She is survived by two sons, C.D. (Debby) Aldridge Jr. and Barry (Martha) Aldridge; two daughters, Deb Aldridge and Sharon (Steve) Parham; nine grandchildren, Mike Aldridge, Amy (Jeremy) Kennedy, Becky (Jeff) Goodlet, Elysia (Stuart) Belva, Evan (Rachel) Aldridge, Courtney Parham, Jerritt Patterson, Bryan Daniel and Lauren Aldridge; seven great-grandchildren, Brooke Aldridge, Kollin and Karoline Kennedy, Natalie and Vivienne Belva and Connor and Anniston Aldridge; as well as a host of additional relatives and friends.The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and residents of Elmcroft of Hamilton Place for their loving care and support. Edna leaves behind numerous friends with whom she shared many wonderful experiences.A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30, 3 p.m. at St. John United Methodist Church with Rev. Randy Martin and Rev. Dallas Beck officiating.The family will receive friends at the church from 2-3 p.m.A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, at Chattanooga National Cemetery with the Rev. Dallas Beck officiating.Pallbearers include Mike Aldridge, Jeremy Kennedy, Kollin Kennedy, Stuart Belva, Jeff Goodlet, Earl McDowell, Fritz Vetterick and John Moore.Visit www.heritagefh.com to view the memorial tribute and share condolences.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Memorial Fund at St. John UMC, 3921 Murray Hills Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.