Veneta Faye Simpson Edwards

Veneta Faye Simpson Edwards, 68, was born on June 16, 1935, to Velma Josephine Simpson and Albert A. Simpson at home in a four bedroom house in El Dorado Springs. In 1943, Veneta, her brother and her parents moved to North Kansas City.

She was saved as a young girl and went to the Church of God (Holiness) for many years. Later in life, she enjoyed Robert Schuler and attended several different churches over the years. About five years ago, she found the First Baptist Church of Raytown. She was baptized after the new church was built. She loved this church and dreamed of all of her five children going with her there.

She joined the choir and loved the yearly Seeder Meal representing fruit, nuts and bread in Jesus' time. She went to Sunday School and church and other classes. Her faith really grew at this church. She made friends that made her very happy. Veneta loved the songs that were sung and the sermons.

Over the years, Veneta worked at various jobs. Most recently she worked at Price Chopper at 95th and Mission for about five years and developed many friends who were there for her during her surgery recovery.

She enjoyed vacations to Branson with her brother, his wife, her sister, her niece and her greatniece. She loved gardening and flowers and enjoyed Powell Gardens. Veneta would look at books for hours. She would buy all the plants and spend hours outside caring for her garden. She loved to cook and try out new dishes especially on holidays. She was a serious Chiefs fan and did not refrain from telling the TV what they were doing wrong.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Velma and Albert Simpson, and her sister, Fern. She was a loving and devoted mother.

She leaves behind five children - Constance Cheri Goodman, Patricia Lynn Riddell, Janice Faye Hill, William Ervil Dealy and Michelle Rene Edwards; eight grandchildren - Carl William Goodman, William Linn Dannahower, Roger Edgington, James Henry Riddell, David Dunlap, Chris Dunlap, Candace Dealy and Chase Wilson; one brother, Willis Simpson - Mission, KS; one sister, Leona Garriges - Independence; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins and two cats, Frankie and Johnny.

Services were held Monday, Aug. 25, at the First Baptist Church, Raytown. Interment was in the Hackleman Cemetery under direction of Hackleman and Sons Funeral Home. Pall¬bearers were Carl William Goodman, Will Dannahower, James Henry Riddell, Michael T. Nolen, David Justin Dunlap, Christopher Lee Dunlap and Willis Dean Simpson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Support Group at the First Baptist Church, Raytown.