(From Parker Mortuary)
February 4, 1955 - February 5, 2026
On Thursday February 5th, following the previous day’s celebration of her birthday, Dede leapt into the arms of Jesus Christ, her risen Lord. That terrible disease cancer, pushed her from this world into glory. Praise God Almighty, for the end of our story here is just the beginning of the truest life we can ever live.
Dede was born in Sioux City Iowa to Dwayne and Dorothy Edwards. She was the fourth of six children. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, brother Doug, sister Drenna, and sister Denise. She is survived by her husband David, sister Kim, sister Becky, son Shannon, and daughter Terra.
Dede enjoyed people immensely. She loved meeting new people and making them feel known. Dede seemed to transform strangers into friends. She gave her time and hugs freely to others, and was excited to catch-up on the smallest details of their day. She had presence when she walked into a room, and made everyone else around her feel special too. She had true passion for her God, garden, and family. They were her greatest joys. Her faith brought her strength, love, and peace, and uplifted her through the trials of life.
On Thursday February 5th, following the previous day’s celebration of her birthday, Dede leapt into the arms of Jesus Christ, her risen Lord. That terrible disease cancer, pushed her from this world into glory. Praise God Almighty, for the end of our story here is just the beginning of the truest life we can ever live.
Dede was born in Sioux City Iowa to Dwayne and Dorothy Edwards. She was the fourth of six children. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, brother Doug, sister Drenna, and sister Denise. She is survived by her husband David, sister Kim, sister Becky, son Shannon, and daughter Terra.
Dede enjoyed people immensely. She loved meeting new people and making them feel known. Dede seemed to transform strangers into friends. She gave her time and hugs freely to others, and was excited to catch-up on the smallest details of their day. She had presence when she walked into a room, and made everyone else around her feel special too. She had true passion for her God, garden, and family. They were her greatest joys. Her faith brought her strength, love, and peace, and uplifted her through the trials of life.
She got just as much joy from playing in her garden. Having been a florist for a time she could name any flower that she was asked about, and especially loved the purple ones. She loved sharing seeds and bulbs with her friends and family, who can continue to remember her through all of the blooms and beautiful life that she shared and celebrated in. It is hard to express the excitement with which she lived her life.
Even though at times, she fully felt the weight of the world, she also fully experienced the awesomeness and beauty of this life, and inspired others to experience it too. No one got to experience her love and life more than her husband David Small, who was truly blessed to call her his wife and partner for almost 40 years. When Dede left this life, she left a void in the lives of her family and friends, that will be felt for a long time. She will be deeply missed. Around Dede’s desk are hand written notes that were positive reminders of the person that she desired to be and passages of scripture that describe the life full of love that she lived.
On her desk was this message; “Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to love and to guide.” Dede is now among the angels and the great cloud of witnesses. May she watch over us until we see her again.
A funeral service is planned for Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Connect Church in Carl Junction, MO. The family invites friends out for a time of celebration on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO. She loves flowers, but in lieu of flowers, any contribution to The American Cancer Association, will be appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.
A funeral service is planned for Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Connect Church in Carl Junction, MO. The family invites friends out for a time of celebration on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO. She loves flowers, but in lieu of flowers, any contribution to The American Cancer Association, will be appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.
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