“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

EDNA V. POTEAT the 9th child born to the loving union of the late Jerry Maynard and the late Mary Williamson Maynard, was born in Reidsville, Rockingham County, North Carolina.

She received her formal education in the Rockingham County School System. At an early age and being reared under the spiritual guidance and faithfulness of her parents, she became a member of the Benaja Mt. Zion Holiness Church.

At a prime age, Edna met and married her love, the late Edward Lee Poteat who loved her to life, but preceded her in death. Their union over time was blessed with four beautiful children, Ivonia Ann, Edward Lee, Jr., Darryl Tyrone and Robin Denise.

As time progressed, Edna and her husband and “FIRST BORN” relocated to Morristown, New Jersey and later resided in Newark, New Jersey.

Edna became a member of the Congregational Baptist Church under the Leadership of the late “Great” Reverend Eugene Walker and Mother Bernice Walker. She was a member of the Adult Sunday School, Adult Senior Usher Board and the Senior Choir. Reverend and Mother Walker loved and trusted Edna and her family so much that they entrusted their precious children to her care while they attended the National Baptist Conventions.

After numerous years of living in New Jersey, Edna relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where she lovingly united with three of her siblings: Alberta, Nanny and Hildred. She joined in Spiritual fellowship with her sisters when she joined the Emanuel Church of God In Christ under the loving leadership of her pastor, Bishop David M. Screven and Mother Billie Screven. She has been a member of her church over 38 years. Over the years, she was involved in the Adult Sunday School Class, Hospitality Ministry and the Celestial Choir, which she loved dearly.

During her working career, Edna was gainfully employed by the Polyclinic Medical Center as a Dietary Aide for numerous years until she retired.

Edna loved spending time shopping with her daughters, having dinner and celebrating any and all holidays with her children and grandchildren. She also loved watching “Family Feud” and of course she loved attending morning and afternoon service at church.

Singing was a special ministry as she could reach back and bless your soul with one of those old time songs be it fast paced or slow – “Run While The Sun Is Shining”, Lord Don’t Move The Mountain”, I Am Determined”, “Don’t You Know God Is Able”, “Jesus Will Work It Out” and “I’m Living This Life Just To Live Again” ….Just to name a few.

As such, Edna lived her life to live again eternally with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On Friday, April 16, 2021 at Carolyn’s House Hospice in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Edna V. Poteat, at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 26 days, “PEACEFULLY” transitioned into eternal rest from Labor to Reward!

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in transitioning into eternal life by nine of her siblings: Willie ”Rock “ Maynard (Betty), James Maynard, Jerry Maynard, Jr. (Edith), Alberta Cobb, Nannie Doziar (Sonny), Thelma Bell (McKenzie), Inez Bryson (Raleigh), Annie Mae Pinnix (Henry) and Walter R. Maynard (Anne).

She leaves to cherish Precious Memories of her, her daughter, Ivonia “Ann” Scrimmager; her sons and daughters In-Love, Jamil Bey “Edward” and Linda, Darryl Poteat and Mary and her daughter and son In-Love, Mother Robin Oden and Greg; her sisters and brothers In-Love, Louise Stubblefield and Thomas of Reidsville, North Carolina; Hildred Corbin and Percy of Hampton, Virginia and her brother, Charles Maynard of Atlanta, Georgia; her 11 grandchildren: Sharina Poteat, Tawana Poteat, LaTasha Scrimmager, Frank Gordon, Dwayne Poteat of California, Darryl Poteat, Jr., of California, William Yarnell Poteat, Lamar Daniels, Jameel Poteat, Jasmine Mahone and Brandon Poteat of Delaware; her 17 great-grandchildren and her nine great-great grandchildren; a beloved niece, Annette Barlow along with a host of other beloved nieces and nephews.

“MY SOUL IS RESTING – HALLELUJA I’M FREE” LOVINGLY SUBMITTED BY HER FAMILY Her life will be celebrated in the Sanctuary of her church, Emanuel COGIC at 16th & Liberty Streets on Friday, April 23 at 11:00 am, with viewing from 9:30 am until 11:00 am and burial in Paxtang Cemetery. COVID-19 Guidelines will be observed with face masks and social distancing for all attendees. Live Streaming of the service will be available on Major H. Winfield Funeral Home’s YouTube page.