Edna Elberta Estes

Edna Elberta (Rains) Estes was born in Murphysboro 2-24-1937 to Ella (Maynor) Rains and Millard Rains, Sr. during the Great Depression. She departed this world into the arms of her beloved Lord on 11-11-21 at 84 years young welcomed by her heavenly family. She is pre-deceased by her parents, her previous husbands Arnold Saylor and Drew Estes, several brothers and sisters. Survivors in include sister Jeannie Smith of Foley Mo, brother John Rains of St. Peters, MO., several nieces and nephews, Daughter Deborah Saylor Connell (Knute) of Marion, Son Arnold Saylor Jr (Karen) of Desoto, Daughter JoElla Nowotny of Murphysboro, and Son Clint Estes of Tacoma Washington, nine Grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, with another on the way which she was very excited about. She was unable to complete High School as her mother required her to stay home and care for her younger siblings. She was intelligent with a bright mind, lack of formal education was one of her greatest disappointments, so with determination and a quest for knowledge as an older adult she obtained her High School GED. Mother served as a role model for her children, having a great work ethic. Mother worked many jobs over her lifetime beginning as a teenager with St. Andrews Hospital as a dietary aid (being a favorite of the nuns). She continued to work at Brown Shoe Factory, Luster Corporation, as a CNA at Jackson County Nursing Home with her sister Gladys, and even into her 60's worked the midnight shift in a factory always caring for her family and household duties while she held a job. She worked with dignity wherever there was a need in order to provide for her family. She gardened with a manual plow up into her 60's to be sure her family had enough food. She was an excellent cook (no one could beat her chicken and dumplings), seamstress, and story teller. As a young woman she enjoyed dancing and music. Green Onions was her favorite song, she enjoyed songs with the "french-harp" (Harmonica) like her father used to play, and blues music in general. In her late 70's she enjoyed a trip to Clarksdale, Mississippi blues festival with her children, she glowed, she laughed and she danced confidently as if she were 18 again. She was never boastful but many men young and old have turned their heads twice to get a glimpse of her beauty. Given the opportunity Mother could have been a Hollywood sensation/poster model in the 50's and beyond. She maintained outward, inner beauty and grace throughout her short life. 11-11-2021 has been the saddest day in our lives. Our mother was the central figure in our family. She was a courageous, independent woman with a big heart, she was our best friend, our cheerleader, and she was always available to us. Mother demonstrated the deepest, most enduring love for her family. She was warm, outgoing, funny, a deep thinker, philosopher, she looked at every side of a situation, never afraid to share her opinion. She enjoyed coffee and cigarettes at her kitchen table and was always welcoming to guests to discuss whatever topic of interest. She was a righteous woman who prayed often. Mother we have been blessed to have you, you were taken from us abruptly and too soon, we love you so much and you will be forever missed. We always strive to be our best because of the values you have instilled in us. We will be aware of your presence in the natural/spiritual world: the sun, the moon, the air, trees, gardens, flowers, wind, the rain, rainbows, water, music, etc. As your legacy grows and your family expands, we know you will be with us in spirit to guide us, losing you leaves an empty place in our lives/hearts, we love you so much! For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.

Edna Elberta Estes

February 24, 1937 - November 11, 2021