Anna Louise Southwood Edwards was born in a log cabin in the Parnell Community of Wayne County on November 1, 1939 to the late Hughie Earl and Ina Lee Alley Southwood. She passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Baptist Health in Lexington, Kentucky, reaching the age of 81 years. She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

On May 13, 1960 Anna Louise was united in marriage to Bobby Gale Edwards, who survives. To this union one son, Bobby Gale Edwards, Jr. (Daisy) survives along with grandchildren Franz Ibisate, Kimberly Halcomb (C.J.), and Jans Alvik Ibisate. Also surviving is her brother Harry Truman Southwood of Blue Eye, Missouri.

In addition to both her parents, the following siblings preceded her in death: a brother, Henry Franklin Southwood. and sisters Betty Jane Donaldson and Mary Jo Southwood. Further surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her in their lives.
Anna Louise graduated from Wayne County High School in 1957. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Cumberland College in 1965. Continuing her education, she earned a Master's Degree in Education in 1970, and later Rank I in Education from Eastern Kentucky University. During her educational career she completed the following certifications: Standard Elementary Grades 1 – 8, School Librarian Grades 1 - 12, School Psychometrist, Supervisor of Instruction Grades 1 – 12, and Elementary School Principal Grades K – 8. Also, she completed advanced Principal Training in San Antonio, Texas by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

She began her teaching career in a one room school at Dry Valley in Wayne County, Kentucky. Thereafter, she taught at Sandy Valley, Hidalgo, Meadow Creek, Turner Elementary, Monticello Independent, Big Sinking Elementary, Bell Elementary, and Walker Elementary.
Later, she served as School Psychometrist for the Wayne County Board of Education. She then served as Special Education Director for the Wayne County School District, before becoming Principal of Walker Elementary School (720 students) in Wayne County. She became the first Principal in the Wayne County School System to obtain the National Principal Certification. In 1989, Campbellsville University presented her with an Excellence in Teaching Award. She was a lifetime member of the National Education Association.

Anna Louise retired after 34 1/2 years of service. After her retirement, she became a Member of the Wayne County Board of Education and served from 1998 – 2000.

Her hobbies included cooking, gardening, fishing, and traveling both domestically and abroad.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 29, 2021 between 11 am – 1 pm in the chapel of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 at 1 pm at the Hickey Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Elk Spring Cemetery.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation and upon recommendations from the Governor's Office for Funeral Homes, there will be some restrictions for service attendance. You are asked to please wear a mask or facial covering and observe the social distancing guidelines. No communal food or drinks are allowed at this time. Please feel free to sign the online guestbook or send a private condolence message through out website.

Hickey Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.