Edith Collins Oates

Edith Collins Oates passed away at the age of 94 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013.

She was a lifelong Henderson County resident, having been born Sept. 2, 1919, in Hendersonville to the late Bessie Clayton Collins and Carroll Collins. She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert T. Oates, Jr. who died in February 2002; a brother Harold Collins; and a son Larry A. Oates, who died in May of 2004.

Edith was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville for more than 50 years and prior to that was a member of Valley Hill Baptist Church. She was a seamstress for Ruth Originals (Ruth of Carolina) and a sales associate for several local stores during her working career.

She is survived by one sister, Ruby Collins Oates; one brother Max Collins and his wife Margaret of Hendersonville; one son Ronald W. Oates and wife Jean of Hendersonville; one daughter Janice Oates Crawford and husband Don of Lilburn, Ga.; six grandchildren Alan Oates and Brian Oates (Lynn) both of Marietta, Ga., Stephanie Merchiore (Chris) of Atlanta, Lisa Lennkh (Matthias) of London, Michael Crawford (Jessica) of McDonough, Ga., and David Crawford (Lauren) of Valdosta, Ga.; seven great-grandchildren, Brycen and Emilee Grace Oates, Alexandre Lennkh, Brooke and Blake Crawford, and Ava and Jack Crawford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in the Kirby Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Rev. Wally Shamburger will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Shepherd Memorial Park.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the caregivers at Dr. William R. Moffitt's office of Hendersonville and the Elizabeth House of Flat Rock. Also, special thanks to the friends and neighbors in Brooklyn Manor that have so faithfully shown their concern and love for Edith.

Flowers are welcome or donations to Four Season Elizabeth House, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 will be greatly appreciated.

To sign the online register book visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.