Josephine Batchelor Edwards

Mary Josephine Batchelor Edwards
June 4, 1932 – August 19, 2026

ZEBULON – Josephine Batchelor Edwards, of Zebulon, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2026 and is in her eternal resting place in heaven. She was born June 4, 1932, the daughter of the late Henry Percy and Mary Dean Batchelor of Spring Hope, NC. Jo lived life to the fullest serving others, her loving family, friends, and the community that she called home. This and her kindness will be a part of her endearing legacy. She has been a long-time active member of Zebulon Baptist Church and openly expressed to others the goodness of God.

Jo was married over 69 years to the love of her life, Wilton Floyd Edwards. Together they were a TEAM. While Floyd may have been the face of the team serving the community in many of their civic activities and leadership positions, Jo was ALWAYS right by his side, carrying the heavier load. Together, at “Floyd Edwards, General Contractor, Inc.” they built a Custom Home Building business where locally they were revered as a Master Builder at the highest level. Their unrelenting work ethic, determination for excellence and quality, and personal touch with each of their customers, set them apart and drove their business. Their customers became lifelong friends. This continues to drive his three sons, several grandsons/ granddaughters that they mentored in construction. In their twilight years they loved to travel and entertain their growing family.

Along with her parents and two brothers (Rudolph and Warren), Jo was preceded in death by Floyd and his sister Glennis. She leaves to cherish her life and legacy her four children: Mac and wife Kathy of Clayton, Deborah and husband Dr. Ronald Washburn of Advance, Gilford and wife Cheryl of Murrells Inlet, SC, and Wilton and wife Jeanie of Longs, SC. Nine grandchildren Gil, Valerie, Justin, Britni, Nicole, Ashley, Jon, Sierra, and Dakota along with 15 great grandchildren. She leaves one sister, Barbara Batchelor of Wake Forest, and one sister-in-law, Lucy Byrd, of Goldsboro.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Zebulon Baptist Church located at 400 N. Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC with visitation in the church parlor from 1:00 to 1:45 pm prior to the service.
Flowers welcomed or memorials can be made to the Hematology Department of the UNC Rex Cancer Center.

Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com