Obituary - Thelma Davis Edwards
Thelma Davis Edwards of Sandston, Virginia passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents Bessie Marsh Davis and Julian Bunyon Davis, her husband Douglas Fairbanks Edwards, her sister Mildred Davis Pittman (Leonard Oscar Pittman), and her daughter Joyce Edwards Johnson. She is survived by her daughter Judy Edwards Fuller (Douglas Fuller); son-in-law Richard Johnson; grandchildren Kelly Johnson (Sean Mahan), Lindsey Johnson, and Justin Fuller; great-grandchildren Callum Lowe and Caden Lowe, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends and neighbors.
Thelma was born and raised in Virginia’s Northern Neck and graduated from Lancaster High School where she learned the true meaning of family and cultivated a passion for life and caring for all around her. She was always grateful for the many friendships developed over the decades as a Member and Treasurer at Leigh Street Baptist Church. She spent her working career initially at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and subsequently at State Planters Bank of Commerce & Trust where she enjoyed lifelong relationships with many of her clients. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all adored her. She loved to teach them to garden and watch them play in her wonderful yard - almost as much as they loved playing there.
Thelma possessed a special talent for being able to always see the best in others and to help them to likewise see the best in themselves. She was a uniquely wise and kind soul. She shared the afternoon before her passing with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and caregivers along with several nieces and nephews.
Thelma and her family are especially grateful for the love and friendship given to her by her caregivers, LaVerne McCauley, Gale Marshall, Dorethea Branch, Unitha Cannon, Anthony Hale, and Angela Taylor. This wonderful team cared for her in the years leading up to her 100th birthday, becoming part of her devoted family.
A celebration of life will be held at Bennett Funeral Home, Mechanicsville Chapel, at 8014 Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville, VA, 23111, on March 5, 2026, with visitation at 1:00pm, funeral service at 2:00pm. Interment will follow in Washington Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the MCV Foundation with a designation to the Joyce Johnson Scholarship for Nursing Education – mail to the MCV Foundation, 1021 East Main Street, Suite 1100, Richmond, VA 23219 or donate via this link: support.vcu.edu/give/fund?fund-5139.
