Obituary
Annie Vivian Edwards (Unda) age 90, of New Smyrna Beach, died Monday, June 27, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 12, 1932, in Selma, Alabama, to Paul Vines and Susie Alley Vines and spent her childhood years in Bessemer, Alabama.
Annie spent many of her summers as a teenager and young adult working in her father’s business, “Cervantes Spanish Restaurant” which was located on Church Street in downtown Orlando. The location, as well as the rest of the block, was replaced years later by the CNA Tower and Barnett Bank Building.
It was in Orlando that Annie met her husband of 43 years, Anderson G. (Ed) Edwards and they were married in 1955. Ed was a career United States Airforce Sr. Master Sergeant. They were stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska where their first daughter,
Paula was born. In 2012, Annie and her two daughters, Paula and Melissa were able to travel back to the Air Force base in Fairbanks where it all started. It was a special time with many memories.
In 1960, the family moved to Orlando, FL. It was in Orlando, that their second daughter, Melissa was born. In 1965 Ed and Annie built a home in Oviedo, Florida where horses, animals (4 German shepherds at one time!) a pony, goats, cows, and a special cat named Archie were all part of the family!
Annie worked as a purchasing agent for the Florida Department of Agriculture. After her retirement, the couple lived on the St. John’s River where she loved to fish. There are many family memories that took place there. In 1996 she moved back to Oviedo with her husband.
In 2014, Annie moved to New Smyrna Beach with her daughter and son-in-law. New Smyrna held many special memories for her even as a child. She loved living on the beach with her little dog, Betsy.
Annie was a Christian with a kind heart and a sweet spirit. She had a contagious smile and was a great encourager to many people. She attended worship services regularly at the Daytona Beach Drive in Christian Church. One of her old friends probably described her the best: “She was a Great Lady!” She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over fifty years and Past Grand Matron of Pioneer 99. She also served as a Grand Representative of Alabama in Florida and District Grand Instructor. She was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, Athaliah Temple #114.
Survivors include her two daughters, Paula (Richard) Maxey, and Melissa (Peter) Ahl, of New Smyrna Beach; grandson Richard (Melanie) Maxey, III of St. Cloud, Florida; great- granddaughter Vivian (Vivi) Maxey, of St. Cloud, Florida; brother, Paul Vines of Alabama; and cousin, Barbara Taylor of Alabama. Annie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 43 years, Anderson G. (Ed) Edwards; and her grandson Anderson (Andy) Maxey.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 9 at her residence.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss of your wonderful Mother. My your memories of her love bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Love,
Jennifer