Edith Emmalee (Hayward) Friend

Edith Emmalee (Hayward) Friend, 97, Springfield, Missouri, passed on to Eternity on Wednesday, September 14. 2022.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, Trueman E. Friend; devoted and loving daughter, Judith Ann Friend; infant daughter, Stephanie Jo Friend.

Also predeceasing Edith were her parents, Cliffe Delena (Hawkins) Hayward and Homer Hayward; her six siblings, and beloved sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews from the Hayward/Friend families.

Edith devoted her life to her family, Christian faith, and helping others. She graduated from Dadeville High School and attended Southwest Missouri College. At an early age, she taught at the Sand Mountain country school. After rearing her four children, she earned a Practical Nursing degree and worked at Mt. Vernon, Missouri, Cox Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri, and Dade County Nursing Home. She was a member of the Greenfield Literary and Civic Club and the Greenfield First Christian Church, where she sang in the choir and supported many activities in the church.

In retirement, Edith enjoyed traveling around the globe with Trueman, being with her family and being Grandma Friend who made delicious cookies.

Those who mourn and will always love and miss Edith are her children: Trudy Friend Jacobson (John), Leawood, Kansas; Jeanie B. Friend, Holden, Missouri; Trueman G. Friend, Atlanta, Georgia. Grandchildren: Gabriel F. Smith (Jennifer), Raleigh, North Carolina; Joseph S. Jacobson (Ashley), Leawood, Kansas. Great grandchildren: Graham T. Blue-Smith; Miller Friend Smith; Eliana Paige Jacobson; our dearest and enduring friend, Nadia Cavner, Springfield, Missouri.

Private interment was held at Greenfield Cemetery, Greenfield, Missouri, under the direction of Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Instead of floral arrangements, please consider contributing to Seasons Hospice, Springfield, Missouri, or a charity of your choice.

We deeply appreciate all the help from Edith’s many caregivers, as well as Seasons Hospice, who were there for our sweet Edith.

“On Angels’ Wings” our Queen Mother traveled.