Edna Ruth (Shofner) Birdwell

Edna Ruth Shofner Birdwell, 82, of Center (formerly Nacogdoches), went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in Nacogdoches. She was surrounded by her family.

Services will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Mangum Funeral Home in Center. Bro. Dathan Triplett of Revival Tabernacle will officiate.

She is survived by her son, Del Birdwell and wife Joanna of Center; grandchildren, Bethany Birdwell Arnett and husband Matt of Holden, Louisiana, Brynna Birdwell Talavera and husband Taylor Talavera of Nacogdoches, and Levi Birdwell and fiance Kloye Sonmor of Center; great granddaughter, Maren Mae Arnett of Holden, Louisiana; sisters, Linda Henderson and husband Joe of Tennessee Colony and Kathi Howard and husband Dewey of Center; sister-in-laws, Rosa Lee Vaughn Shofner of Center, Beth Rogers and husband Jerry of Athens, Linda Wade and husband Stanley of Sacul; brother-in-law, Jack Birdwell and wife Joyce of Nacogdoches, Lamar Birdwell and wife Judy of Madisonville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bryant Haden Birdwell; parents, Martin Lee Shofner and Bessie Mae Fleming Shofner; brothers, James Richard Shofner and Delbert Shofner; sisters, Billie Jean Livingston and Mary Reichel; sister-in-laws, Carol Shofner, Betty Cole; brother-in-laws, Leon Livingston and Jerry Reichel, Bobby Birdwell, Joe Birdwell, Jim (Birdie) Birdwell; father and mother-in-law, Lawrence Birdwell and Wanda Fountain Birdwell; niece and nephew, Janet and Mike Wilburn.

Edna was born in Center to Martin Lee and Bessie Mae (Fleming) Shofner on March 10, 1941. She was one of seven children and loved her family very much. She graduated from Center High School with the class of 1959 and spoke highly of the many dear friends that she attended school with. She attended Massey Business College in Nacogdoches following her high school graduation. She married Bryant Haden Birdwell of Cushing on March 13, 1965, and the two made their home in Nacogdoches, Texas with their son, Bryant (Del) Birdwell. Edna loved Bryant dearly, and they were married for 53 years before he went to be with Jesus in April 2018. Edna worked for Stone Fort National Bank for 30 years and went on to work for Stephen F. Austin State University until her retirement.

Upon retirement, she stepped into the full-time role of “Nanny”--her favorite and most cherished title of all–to her three grandchildren. She was exceedingly proud of them and enjoyed talking about them to everyone she came in contact with. She left them with fond and lasting memories of days spent gardening, sewing, cooking, canning, shelling peas and shucking corn, frequenting bookstores, galavanting around Nacogdoches “Mall” on any given Saturday, and a fridge that was always full of Cokes. She was the best Nanny and a true “jack of all trades.” Her easy going temperament, patience, and willingness to teach will forever be etched into the hearts of her grandchildren.

One of Edna’s dearest friends recently penned the following:

“Her nature was kind, loving, affirming, and supportive. She seemed to always think of others before herself.”

She was known by many as a constant and faithful friend, a loving and kind mother, wife, and sister, an adoring grandmother, and a true Christian. We will miss her until we all meet again.

"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:8

If you would like to make a charitable contribution in memory of Mrs. Edna, please make it to Center Christian Academy, P O Box 427, Center, Texas, 75935.