Edna E. Blair

Edna E. Blair, 97

Edna E. Blair of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Palm Gardens of Winter Haven.

She was born January 14, 1925 in Sneads to the late Carlos and Eddie Lee Owens; she has been a lifelong resident of the area. Edna worked at Frances Flowers in Lake Wales for a number of years prior to working at Belk Lindsey. Before Belk Lindsey closed their stores, Edna worked in the office as a bookkeeper after working in the Men's Department. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Wales where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Edna loved making flower arrangements and enjoyed beating anyone who dared to play rummy with her. She loved her family deeply and always enjoyed their weekly family Olive Garden dinners. She was known as Miss Hollywood at Palm Gardens because she always had her makeup and jewelry on.

Edna was preceded in death by her son, Tommy McDowell; and brothers, Thomas Owens, and Charlie Owens. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Melvin of Winter Haven, Brenda Avirett and husband Joe of Lake Wales, and Lisa Allen and husband Jay of Lake Wales; son, Vernon McDowell and wife Helen of Lake City; 11 grandchildren; and 19 greatgrandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 2, 2022 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Pastor Ken Bish and Chaplain Rich Behr officiating. Mr. Adam Smith, the husband of her granddaughter Michelle, will be presenting the eulogy. Interment will follow at Lake Wales Cemetery.