“She fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith.”
– 2 Timothy 4:7
⸻
Velta Rose Briggs Edwards, 85, of Durant, Oklahoma, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 2, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Born on September 6, 1940, in Briggs, Oklahoma, Velta was the eldest of five children born to Dimple Calico and Earl Briggs. Growing up in humble circumstances, Velta was quickly called upon to take on adult responsibilities. Circumstances forced her to grow up early, as her mother worked long hours to provide for her children. Velta became a caretaker, guiding and protecting her younger siblings with a steadfast love that never wavered.
She was immensely proud of her brothers, Bob and Leon, for their service to our country and the meaningful lives they led, and equally proud of her sisters, Jeannie Hobson and Linda Webster, for the families they raised and the strength they carried through life’s challenges. Though all their lives were often marked by struggle and heartache, those Briggs kids always stuck together and their love for one another never failed.
In 1956, Velta married Harold Von Edwards. The young couple moved west in search of opportunity, eventually settling in Borger, Texas, where they welcomed their first two children, Harold Matthew and Pamela Denise. They later made their home in Pampa, Texas, where Robert Todd was born to complete their family.
Velta quickly became an active member of First Assembly of God in Pampa, where her deep faith found a lifelong home. Her Bible was never far from reach, and her dear sisters in Christ—including Laverne, Glenda, and many others whose friendship strengthened her faith—walked beside her throughout her life’s journey.
Much of her life was devoted to caring for her eldest son, Matthew, who was born with a heart defect. Velta spent countless hours by his side in hospitals and on her knees in prayer. Though her heart was forever changed when Matthew passed away at the age of 45, she continued to live with grace, faith, and hope.
We take comfort in knowing that Velta is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Harold; her son, Matthew; her brothers, Bob Briggs and Leon Briggs, and Art Webster; her great-granddaughter, Noelle New; and the many others who have gone before her. Her pain is gone, and she rejoices in the eternal love of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Velta is survived by her loving children: Pam Farris and her husband Christopher, and Robbie Edwards and his wife Sherri.
She is also survived by her sisters: Jeannie Hobson and her husband Fred, and Linda Webster; as well as a large and loving extended family of nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
She was a proud grandmother to:
Jason Rolan, Amber New and her husband Bryan, Sarah Benn, James Edwards and his wife Daisy, Breanna Webber and her husband Christopher, Christopher Farris and his wife Lindsay, and Emily Moore and her husband Dexx.
Her legacy continues through her precious great-grandchildren:
Elyjah Hunter New, Alexavier Bryan New, Suzy Benn, Hudson Edwards, Sawyer Farris, Demitri Edwards, Hazel Farris, Melody Grace Webber, and soon to arrive August Moore.
Velta’s life was a testament to faith, family, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of prayer, perseverance, and compassion that will live on through all who knew her.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Oak Ridge Nursing Home, as well as the hospice team, for their dedication, kindness, and the loving care they provided to Velta in her final days. Their compassion brought great comfort to Velta and her family.
A memorial service in her honor will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at the Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Oklahoma.
Arrangements under the direction of Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home.