Edith Victoria (Brooks) Hoffman - 92 years old - 10/28/1928 - 5/28/2021
Edith was known for her gracious hospitality and warmth. She truly embodied her faith through the love and care she exhibited to others. Her home was always open to neighbors, loved ones, friends and persons who were strangers merely minutes before.
Edith brought joy to all parts of life whether it be cooking cornbread for Sunday lunch, finding a good deal at an antique auction, reading a book she could not put down, discovering a new bluebird nest, hosting a family reunion at her house, or simply sitting out on her deck overlooking Moss Lake with her soul mate of 47 years, Bob.
Born in Bessemer City October 28, 1928, the 9th child of George and Aquilla (Scruggs) Brooks, she was raised in a loving, Christian household of thirteen children. From a young age, she was known amongst her family for her boundless energy and ability to see the good in all things. The rigors of picking cotton on their family farm during the Great Depression were described by Edith as "opportunities to spend all day with the ones she loved".
A big part of her life was music, particularly sacred music. In her early adult-life she made the big move to join her sister Gladys in Washington DC and became a member of the First Baptist Church of Washington DC Senior Acapella Choir. She served as the primary soloist for many years in many churches. She could be heard singing in her own home almost all the time.
At her church in DC she met her husband and love of her life, Bob. Together they founded and operated "Sew and Save Centers". They were blessed with three children, Bobbye Beall, Marta Holden, and Don Hoffman. This humble mustard seed family grew into 14 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her so much delight with their humor, achievements and love. She took pride in their accomplishments, but more importantly their good hearts.
At the heart of her life was Edith's faith community. While living in the suburbs of DC, she helped to start a still thriving Baptist church. Upon retiring back to her hometown in Shelby, she joined First Baptist of Shelby where she served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher of "Edith's Girls" for almost 30 years.
Beyond her immediate church family, Edith was called to serve her broader community. After the Martin Luther King assassination, she served on a DC regional interracial lay and clergy council to help breach the racial divide. She also served as a Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) director, mentored girls in the community, and visited those in jail. She sponsored numerous children through World Vision, Christian Freedom International (CFI) and hosted an exchange student from Ghana for a year. Even towards the later part of her life, she was thrilled to participate on mission trips with CFI to Thailand with Don and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, beloved siblings Floyd, Maynard, Palmer, Flay, CJ, Dean, Wilfred, Dennis, Irene Ware and Reba Tapy. Edith is survived by her sisters Gladys Burroughs and Clara Lowe, along with her children and grandchildren Bobbye and Harold Beall (Marta, Lucas,Travis), Marta and Colin Holden (Brooks, Jackson, Josie, Kelly, Tyler), and Donald and Elisabeth Hoffman (Maria, Aaron, Ben, Paige, Beth Anne, Amy).
She was a blessing and inspiration to all who knew her and a beautiful example of Christian faith in action. A life well lived indeed!
The celebration of her life will be Saturday June 5th, 2021 at 5:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Shelby with a reception to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to: First Baptist Church of Shelby, 120 N. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 28150 or Gardner Webb University Christian Service Organization scholarship fund PO Box 997, Boiling Springs 28017.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com. |
