Louise Odom Edwards

Louise Odom Edwards, 92, wife of Dr. Robert C. Edwards, died Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the Sterling House in Central. Born in Red Springs, N. C. she was the daughter of the late Joseph Thomas and Leta Cable Odom. She attended Flora McDonald College in North Carolina and was the First Lady of Clemson University for the 21 years her husband served as President. She was a member of the Clemson United Methodist Church, the Clemson University Woman's Club and the Fort Hill Garden Club. Her greatest enjoyment was serving as the "Mother" to all Clemson students she met, often entertaining various student groups in her home. She began the annual Freshman Picnic on the Lawn of the President's home. She was Honored as the Clemson University's Mother of the Year by the Tiger Brotherhood in 1978.

During her husband's tenure as president, most visiting dignitaries and special guests stayed at The President's Home during their time in Clemson. Mrs. Edwards was a kind and warm hostess to all who passed through her doors. She often cooked for hundreds of people and enjoyed making each one feel special. She treated all people with dignity and respect. Mrs. Edwards was also an enthusiastic supporter of all Clemson athletic endeavors. One of her fondest memories was traveling with the baseball team to the College World Series in Omaha, NE.

Mrs. Edwards considered it a privilege to serve her husband and her family. She was a devoted mother to her children, Nancy (Mrs. William J. Reid, Jr.) and Bob (Robert Cook Edwards, Jr., deceased). As grandchildren and great-grandchildren were added to the family her love was multiplied. Her family was blessed for four generations with her gentle and giving spirit.

In addition to her husband she is survived by daughter, Nancy Edwards Reid and her husband Bill of Central, daughter-in-law, Sandra Edwards Waggoner; brother, Joseph Thomas Odom, Jr. and wife Martha Ann of Laurinburg, NC; sister, Josie Odom Galloway and husband Herbert of Peachtree City, GA; grandchildren, Elizabeth Louise Edwards, Susan Edwards Sangiolo, Leslie Edwards Coker, Ashley Edwards Thompson, Laura Reid Hemmings, William J. Reid, III and Sandra Reid Boney, great-grandchildren, Kathryne Louise Hemmings, Robert C. Hemmings, Caroline Reid, William J. Reid, IV, Mary Shelley Reid, Jackson Edwards Reid, Anne Davey Coker, Hannah Hunt Coker, Griffen Thompson, Graham Thompson, Bennett Thompson, Matthew Boney, Anna Grace Boney, Alessandra Sangiola and Adam Sangiolo. She was predeceased by her son, Robert Cook Edwards, Jr.

Following a private committal service at Woodland Cemetery, there will be a memorial service Friday at 2pm at the Clemson United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8pm at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672, Clemson United Methodist Church, PO Box 590, Clemson, SC 29633, Alzheimers Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd., Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621 or the Clemson Foundation, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons, which is assisting the family.