Ms. Arthea Marie Edwards

Arthea Marie Edwards, a beloved mother, godmother, daughter, sister, aunt, educator, and friend, was the first of four children born to Arthur and Thressa Edwards in Hampton, Virginia, on August 30, 1962.

Raised in a godly home, she embraced a biblical foundation early in life through active participation in Gospel Spreading Church and its Sunday School program, accepting Christ at the age of thirteen.

Arthea graduated from Phoebus High School in the Hampton City Schools system as a National Merit Scholar, earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mary Washington College, and completed a Master of Education at Regent University.

During her career as a chemist for the Commonwealth of Virginia, she felt a divine call to leave the laboratory and become a teacher. She believed that too many marginalized children were intimidated by mathematics, and she wanted to change that. Arthea first taught at Calvary Christian Academy, then answered a request to support Charles City County Public Schools—commuting an hour each way to help students who were struggling to meet Standards of Learning benchmarks. Following that service, she joined Hampton City Schools, where she devoted twenty-seven years to teaching middle school mathematics.

In the classroom, Arthea poured the same love and dedication she gave to her own family into every student she taught. She regarded each child as precious and valuable, offering tender care, genuine appreciation, and steadfast support so that they would feel seen, loved, and safe in her presence.

Her life was guided by the promise of Jeremiah 29:11: 

 
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

On March 25, 2025, Arthea’s beloved aunt, Leoney Orie—whom she treasured as a second mother—went home to be with the Lord. Though heartbroken by the loss, Arthea found renewed purpose in the assurance of an eternal, hopeful destiny. 

Arthea’s heart belonged to her daughter, Carrie Bailey, the absolute light of her life. Their bond was the center of Arthea’s world; every triumph, challenge, and quiet moment was shared with Carrie’s love and presence guiding her.

Arthea leaves behind a legacy of love and countless memories. She is survived by her daughter, Carrie Bailey; her goddaughter, Jordan Brown; her parents, Deacon Arthur and Mrs. Thressa Edwards; her siblings, Rachel, Jason, and Arthur (Antonette) Edwards; her nieces, Thressa and Angela Edwards; her nephews, Jeremiah and Ryan (Karanita) Edwards; her great niece, Madison Edwards; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues and friends—including her young cousin TC (Titus Christopher Sapp, II); her dearest friend, Dr. Tonya Brown; her admired colleague Mr. Michael Riggins; and the many students whose lives she touched forever. 

May her spirit continue to inspire us all, and may we honor her memory by living with the same compassion, faith, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others—just as she did for every soul she loved, especially her precious daughter, Carrie. 

It is the desire of the Edwards/Bailey families that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Ms. Arthea Marie Edwards has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

In honor of Ms. Arthea Marie Edwards the family requests, if possible, that you wear green to her service.

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