The Graveside Services for the late Mrs. Edna Ruth Leary, who departed this life on Monday, August 14, 2023, in New Jersey, will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from the Westview Memorial Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the “Shipps Funeral Home” Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream Link on this site's Home Page.

Mrs. Edna Ruth Leary was born July 27, 1940 in Ashburn, Georgia to the late Mr. and Mrs. John H. Leary, Sr. and Adelia Bell Holmes Leary.

Edna was educated in the Turner County Public School System and graduated from Eureka High School. She furthered her education by attending and receiving her undergraduate degree from Clark College (Clark Atlanta University) in Atlanta, Georgia, and received her Masters Degree from Kean College (formerly known as Union City College) in Union, New Jersey.

Edna was employed as a Teacher in the Newark, New Jersey, and the Edison, New Jersey Public School Systems, where she dedicated more than 30 years of her life to educating children.

Edna was a dedicated member of the Union County Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Incorporated. She served a term as Vice President working with the Youth Club, and as the Founder's Day Chairwoman. '

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; seven sisters, Johnnie V. (William) Jones, Martha (Alfonso) Grundy, Annie L. (James) Slaughter, Doris A. (Eugene) Whitehurst, Christine (Roy) McCant, Maudene (Andrew) Bennett, Betty S. (Frank) Leggett; eight brothers, Colquitt “CQ” (Mary) Leary, Linel (Elizabeth) Leary, Benjamin J. (Estella) Leary, Sr., John H. (Susie/Doris) Leary, Jr., Robert Leary, Elmer Leary, Julius D. Leary, and Rev. James E. (Shirley) Leary.

Edna leaves fond memories will be cherished by a special niece, Patricia A. Jones of Roselle, New Jersey, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.