Erwin woman recognized for extraordinary life

A local woman was honored not simply for her impressive age of 106, but for a remarkable life spanning more than a century of stories and service. For Mabel Edwards, the honors received this week didn't just celebrate her age, but also a remarkable life. A presentation celebrating her more than a century of life, stories and service was held on Wednesday, May 20, at Governor's Bend Assisted Living in Erwin. Unicoi County Register of Deeds Debbie Tittle helped put together the special presentation. Edwards moved into Governor's Bend in April, and this week's celebration in her honor aimed to show appreciation to her while she's still able to receive the sentiment firsthand. The presentation featured a special resolution honoring Edwards read out on the floor of the Tennessee State House. State Rep. Renea Jones presented the resolution to Edwards. "I just hope that I can do as much as you have done at 106," Jones said after reading the resolution aloud that Gov. Bill Lee signed in honor of Edwards. Mabel Pauline Chandler Edwards was born Feb. 29, 1920, to John and Vina Chandler. She married David Edwards in 1942 and the two of them spent many wonderful years together traveling during his 20-year career in the military before the couple eventually settled in Unicoi County. After 67 years of marriage, her husband David died in 2009, but that did not slow Edwards as she continued to take care of herself and tended to the garden she loved so much for another 10 years. "What stands out most about Mabel isn't just her age – it's her joy, kindness and wisdom," said Governor's Bend Activity Director Kimberly Harrell. "She has lived more than a century of history yet still is able to greet everyone with a warm smile and gentle spirit that makes others instantly feel at home." Edwards credits her faith in Jesus as the sole reason she's been able to lead such a long and fruitful life. You can't talk to anyone about her without them mentioning her faith as it's the thing most important to her, and she confirmed that she has lived her life accordingly. "Mabel has a gentle spirit and a quiet kindness about her. You can see clearly that her faith has always been the foundation of her life. She radiates the love of Jesus with her grace and a caring heart," Harrell added. For Tittle, the sheer feat of reaching such an age was worth having some kind of event to honor and recognize Edwards. "In March, she told me about her age and her birthday, and I thought, gosh, that needs recognition," Tittle said. Tittle recognized Edwards as well as all of her family members in attendance. Harrell said that while she hasn't known Edwards for very long, it didn't take any time at all for her and the rest of the staff at Governor's Bend to recognize just her sweet and special qualities. "Miss Mabel recently joined our Governor's Bend family," Harrell said. "It is such an honor to celebrate life alongside so many incredible residents of all ages, even 90 and beyond." Harrell said that as director of the activities department her passion is fueled by showing the facility's residents that joy, laughter, excitement and meaningful memories can still happen at any age. "Too often people think that life slows down after a certain point, but our residents prove otherwise each day," Harrell added. "There is still purpose to be found, friendships to build, moments to celebrate and happiness to experience." She added, "Miss Mabel is a beautiful reminder of that even at 106 years old."