Etta L. (Paynter) Edwards

GEORGETOWN – Etta L. (Paynter) Edwards, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Genesis in Seaford, where she resided for the past two years.

Etta was born in Salisbury, Maryland, daughter of the late Charles M. Paynter, Sr., and Pauline (Morgan) Paynter; and had a brother, Charles M. Paynter, Jr., who made his home in Felton.

Etta was a hard worker and began her career in service to others at Howard T. Ennis. After a short time there, she changed her path and worked for 16 years as a human resources assistant with Nanticoke Memorial Hospital (now Tidal Health Seaford) from where she retired.

Etta was a member of Georgetown Presbyterian Church, Charter Member of Naomi Chapter No. 20 O.E.S. in Stanton, a dual member and Past Matron of Georgetown Chapter No. 9 O.E.S., member of Mary Rebekah Lodge No. 15 I.O.O.F, a Life Member and 3-time Past President of Broadkill VFW 6984 Ladies Auxiliary, Charter and Life Member of Georgetown Ellendale VFW 2931Ladies Auxiliary, and Past President of District 4 Department of Delaware Ladies Auxiliary. While working at NMH she organized and participated in a cancer support group. She was Past Grand Officer and Past Grand Representative to Arkansas for The Grand Chapter of Delaware O.E.S., and member of Ionic Council No. 13 D. of P. She was also active many years ago in Reach to Recovery, a program of the American Cancer Society. While working at NMH she organized and participated in a cancer support group.

She is survived by her only son, Sheldon Lee Edwards and his wife Gladys “Gladi” Edwards; a grandson, Dustin Lee Edwards; a cousin, Connie, to whom she remained close; Etta’s dear friend Sally; as well as extended family and friends she made during her time at Genesis.

Interment will be held privately at Epworth Cemetery in Rehoboth. Etta requested memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, De 19963 or the Georgetown Ellendale VFW.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Services in Georgetown, where online condolences can be shared to the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com