Edna C. Sowder

Edna C. Sowder, age 101, of Fayetteville died Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 in Austin, Texas. She was born Oct. 21, 1913 in her family's farmhouse near Butler, Pa. the daughter of Joseph E. and Bertha Hill Carnahan. Her family came to Fayetteville in 1909 by train. She would tell how they opened the train's windows for fresh air but would also get smoke and soot that covered everything and embers that burned holes in their clothes. Her father had rented half a box car to bring their household, only to find it had been sent to Fayetteville, N.C., arriving two months later. Edna's family moved to Fayetteville before streets were paved, electricity or automobiles were common place. Her family home near Gregg and North St. was at the far north edge of town, before North Street was cut. Walking was her transportation. Gregg St. was little more than a dirt road, so when Edna left home for elementary school she'd wear an old pair to shoes to begin her walk, crossing Scull Creek over stones before there were any bridges, then when she reached the south side of the pasture, that later became Wilson park, she's change into her good shoes to finish her walk to school, leaving her old pair in a hollow log for her return trip home. She earned a Biology degree at the U of A, got her first job in Rogers teaching biology and hygiene, then her second year was asked to teach English, which she did until her retirement from Ramey Jr. High 30 years later. During her career, she earned a masters in English and memberships in Kappa Delta Pi and Delta Kappa Gamma educational organizations. Edna married Jack N. Sowder, who she'd met in the third grade, having their son Glen. With her sister, Ruby, they tended their families flower and vegetable gardens, giving flowers and some of the best tasting tomatoes, peas and okra to family and friends until Ruby's passing. In 2008, Edna moved to Austin, Texas to be cared for by family. Her tenacity, wit and good nature endeared her to those who helped her, evoking tears at her passing. While her life may have ended in Austin, her heart never left her family and friends in Fayetteville. Thank you Lord for Edna, for your blessings and mercy you have given through her, thank you Lord. She is survived by her son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cremation under the direction of Moore's Chapel. To sign the online guestbook,, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.