Edna May Jennings

“We carry you close within our heart’s and there you shall remain.”

Born on 5th August 1940, Edna was the beloved wife of the late William George Jennings.

Peacefully at home on 13th December 2020 Edna passed away aged 80 years.

I had the privilege of leading the ceremony for Edna’s beloved husband Buddy in
April and even at such a sad time, I was delighted to meet Edna with her family.
She was totally heartbroken after losing her soulmate, but we had many sweet
moments of laughter as she told me the incredibly moving memories of their life
together as a family.
Edna and Buddy were the best of friends all their married life, she was devoted to his
care. She loved to garden and was delighted to cultivate tomato plants this year.
The family were able to keep Edna company during the recent months and
whenever possible they take her out in the car.

A cherished and much-loved mum to Sheral, Kevin, Gail and Carol, dear mother-in-
law to the late Buster, Anthony, Rachel and Jason.
She was one of twelve siblings and still had lots of in laws, many live in close
proximity, but she remained especially close to her sister Sheila and her sister-in-law
Kath.
Edna was nanna Ed to her twelve treasured grandchildren, great nan to thirteen
including Ashton, the youngest born in July, an auntie and good friend to many. She
was a lovely lady who had many facets to her diamond personality, she was
incredibly loving and protective, hardworking, single minded and serious at times but
fun loving too. Edna was such a pretty little lady with a beautiful soul and Sheila
wrote:
“My sister Edna was the good looking one, that’s why Buddy fell for her, Edna had
everything I didn’t, except for eyes, Edna’s were brown and mine were blue. She
was a good mum, and her children were her life after Buddy. If you upset her – you
could watch out! She was a great sister and I loved her dearly. Love your little sister
Sheila.”
Remembering Edna
Edna arrived in Naylor Street on 5th August 1940, one of twelve children born to
Phyllis May and Harry Manley. She had a happy childhood and when she wasn’t
bunking off to help her mum tatting with the rag and bone cart, collecting clothes and
selling firewood, Edna went to Beech Street, Brierly Street and Ludford Street
schools.
Her older brother Eddie was one of her best pals in those days; she loved to tag
along with him on his motorbike and he was also a good friend of Buddy’s.
After leaving school, Edna worked at Smether’s and Holdings sewing factory then
moved to the ammunition factory in Radway Green.

When I visited Edna in April, with a glint in her eye she told me: she was sitting on a
wall outside her house and when Buddy came out of the house opposite, she asked
him if he would like to take her to the flicks! He went straight back in the house, put
on his teddy boy suit and off they went! The start of a long happy life together.
He and Edna loved to dance and often had a night out at the local dance hall. She
was incredibly stunning ad would turn heads wherever she went but only ever had
eyes for Buddy.
Edna often went on coach trips to Blackpool with her mum and sisters and when
Phyllis’s husband was in the army, Edna often stayed at the house in Mill Street to
keep her sister company.
Edna and Buddy exchanged their lasting vows on 16 th December 1961 at the chapel
on Minshall New Road and moved into a flat on Rolls Avenue.
Sheral was born at home in 1962, four years later Kevin arrived by candlelight during
a power cut, Gail came along in 1971 then Carol completed their loving family in
1974 and by this time they were living in Wheelman Road.
Edna always ensured the children had a lovely beach holiday in the summer. Whilst
Buddy was working, Edna took the children on the train to Sunnyvale Caravan Park.
Edna always kept the children busy with activities like knitting, crotchet or playing
games together and she was always in the middle of them all. Sheral fondly recalls
how her mum taught her how to use a sewing machine and they spent hours
chatting whilst making things, surrounded by patterns, material, bobbins and offcuts.
Apparently, whilst the children were young, Edna cleaned at a youth centre in
Railton, but she much preferred being a mum, welcoming the children’s friends to the
house and they always had something to munch on.
She made the best apple pies ever, with melt in the mouth pastry and when they
were in the oven, Buddy phoned everyone to let them know then waited for the
stampede.
Christmas was always a special time, Edna paid weekly instalments at the post
office on underwood lane then near to Christmas, the children could all choose what
they wanted. She also paid a regular amount each week at the Toy Partons on West
Street towards the Christmas presents.
Carol told me she had a Cindy house and once Carol had gone to bed, Edna and
Gayle made clothes, bedding and even a sofa to send to Santa.
The tree was always up twelve days before Christmas and taken down twelve days
after. For years she used to get a tub of quality street, thread some with cotton to
put on the tree and then put some on a tea plate covered in foil on the sideboard for
everyone to help themselves.
She had a real fetish for cushions and cushion covers and no matter where they
went shopping.
And then of course, we mustn’t forget to mention their Beddlington Terrier, Sal. After
their beloved Jack Russel, Max died; Edna was so upset, she said “that’s it now, no more dogs!” But eighteen months ago, Buddy brought Sal home as a rescue dog and he told Edna, “you’ve got a week to like her or you are out!” it goes without
saying Edna spoilt Sal just like she did Buddy and Sal has made herself comfortable
with the brown eyed boy!

She will be very sadly missed by all her family & friends.

Edna’s funeral took place on Wednesday 23rd December 2020 at Crewe Crematorium.