Biography: Helen Joyce Ederington Baxley, "Honey," was born October 6, 1921, in Warren, Arkansas, to the late Louis and Nettie Wilson Ederington. She passed away at her home on Sunday afternoon, August 23, 2009, at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Lee Baxley, one brother, Louis Wilson Ederington, two sisters, Virginia Ederington Crow and Janet Ederington Hurley, and a niece, Martha Ann Pugh. Helen was raised in Warren. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and graduated from the University of Tennessee in the mid 1940's with a degree in Child Development, following a tradition of higher education set by both her mother and grandmother, an unusual precedent for the age. After marrying Ed, the love of her life, she moved to Little Rock, where she was known by many for her graciousness, generosity, and delightful sense of humor. Helen's nickname, "Honey", was lovingly bestowed upon her by her grandchildren. Until her health no longer permitted, Honey was an active member of First United Methodist Church, The Little Rock Country Club, the Twentieth Century Club, and many circles of friends. Over the years she enjoyed traveling, playing tennis with "Baxley's Bombers", the Sunday Night Group, her "rug" group, two sewing clubs, the Arkansas Symphony group, the Arkansas Repertory Theater group, and a Murray’s Dinner Theater group. These were all wonderful reasons, she believed, to gather with her friends. Honey also spent countless hours volunteering in various capacities for the First United Methodist Church, VIPS at Hall High School, and the Twentieth Century Club. Honey is survived by her three children, a daughter, Lora Ann Baxley, a son, Edwin Fletcher Baxley, both of Little Rock, and a daughter, Joyce Baxley Aldworth and husband John of Clinton, Arkansas, as well as the joys of her life, granddaughter, Anna Childs Aldworth of Memphis, Tennessee, and grandson, John Baxley Aldworth of New York City. She is also survived by her sister, Jo Ann Pugh (Robert) of Portland, Arkansas, and many nieces and nephews. Evelyn Thompson of Little Rock, a friend from young adulthood, especially made Honey's years a joy, and her lifelong friend, Mary Harsh of Magnolia, Arkansas, is remembered by the family for her many visits and beautiful roses which brought such pleasure to Honey in her later years. Honey's family would like to express their profound gratitude for the loving care and friendship given to her by Bernie Williams and James Hogan. Her children are also thankful for the kindness of Robbie Johnson, and the care given by Brenda Lockhart. Bernie and James' love and dedication allowed Honey to stay in her home and remain as active and vibrant as possible during the last years of her life. Honey was a kind, gentle lady and a joy to all who knew her. Her life centered around her family and her greatest pleasure in life was doing for others. Her devoted family will cherish her memory forever. Graveside services for the family will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Helen’s life by considering a donation to First United Methodist Church, 723 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72201 or Hospice Home Care, 2200 S. Bowman, Little Rock, AR, 72211 or to one of your favorite charities. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
With such affection tone to your voices when you spoke of Honey, one always knew she was greatly loved. Take care and God bless.