Edith M. Sturgis

Edith Marion Sturgis, unexpectedly yet peacefully passed away on Friday, Nov 25, 2022 at her home in Philadelphia, PA surrounded by her Bible, a puzzle book and watching tv.  God had blessed her with 88 years of life, having been born on May 24, 1934. 

Edith was born to Jacob and Florence Davenport in Scottsburg, Va., in Halifax Co. and was the ninth child of twelve born to them. Edith was educated in the Halifax Co. school system and graduated from high school there before moving to New York and then to Philadelphia to be with her family, where she resided until her death. 

Raised as a member of the St. James Baptist Church, in Scottsburg, Va., Edith grew to love God and was baptized there. When she later moved to Philadelphia, she continued her Christian development with the Nazarene Baptist Church, where she was a member for over 60 years. Edith was honored twice for her long-time service with the Sr. Usher Board, totaling 53 years. She was also a member of the Charity Aid auxiliary. 

Wholly embracing the mantra given by her parents that “idle hands are the devils workshop”, Edith was employed at the Holland Laundry, ITE, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the May Co., where she ultimately retired from her daily work as a Sales Associate in 1998. She truly delighted in providing excellent service to her customers and was often asked to work multiple shifts because of her work ethic. 

Known to be exceptionally reliable, Edith also proudly served parties and special events to supplement her income, allowing her to be a particular blessing to others. As an employee of the Philadelphia Inquirer, she worked many late nights and early mornings placing the Sunday inserts into newspapers, which allowed her almost unbridled access to her favorite hobby, couponing. She was an incredibly faithful steward of her resources, and nothing gave her more joy than beating Pathmark or ShopRite on a sale item or having them “owe” her money, creating more resources for her to share. Edith’s passions and life enjoyments included fishing, baking, gardening and travel. She shared these and her special love of their pet, Buddy with her late husband and love, Robert. 

Edith met, fell in love with and married Robert Sturgis, in 1970. Robert was the father of Barbara and Cynthia (Cindy), to whom Edith provided love, guidance and affection. She is now reunited with Bob and Cindy, who preceded her in death, leaving Barbara to remember her along with five grandchildren, Nikki Rose (Lonnie), Krista (Jason), and Bernard (Jason) all of Chesterfield, VA; and Brian and Robert (Natasha) both of Phila., PA. Edith was blessed with eleven great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are four sisters, Marguerite, Anner, Ida and Mary; and three brothers, Royal, David and John. She leaves on this side of Heaven, three sisters to be comforted by wonderful memories: Rosetta of Manassas, VA, Dorothy and Alice, both of Philadelphia, PA and one brother, Edward, of Scottsburg, VA. Her many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends will forever feel the void she leaves behind and sweet potato pie will never be the same. 

“God rested after he finished his work. So everyone who enters God’s place of rest will also have rest from their own work just as God did.”

Hebrews 4:10 ERV 

Rest well and enter the joy of the Lord, Edith Marion. 

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