Edna B. Sitler's Obituary
EDNA BECK SITLER, “Once, Twice, Three Times A Lady” (July 27, 1922 – December 9, 2014)Edna Beck Sitler, a practicing Christian remarkable for her gentleness and kind, thoughtful spirit, is now surely in Heaven. She made the transition peacefully, early Tuesday morning, December 9th, after a long illness. At her departure, she was with her youngest child, Linn Sitler, and the compassionate nursing staff of Baptist East Hospital’s fifth floor in Memphis.Married to the late (U.S.A.F.) Colonel Fred H. Sitler for 60 years, Mrs. Sitler was known by all as a “true Southern Lady.” She was descended from one of the early families of the South – the Becks of Aiken County and Barnwell County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Beck of Aiken County. Ever since a young woman, she has been noted for not only her gentle spirit, but also for her elegance and gentility. An auburn-haired, blue-eyed beauty, she modeled often when younger for the various ladies’ clubs in which she remained active until her health failed several years ago.Genuinely modest about her own gifts, she took the greatest pride in her husband and his military career. To him, her children, her grandchildren, and a special niece, the late Sally Lance of Atlanta, she offered only unconditional love. She fiercely defended each of them from any who might think they were less than perfect!Mrs. Sitler also loved the beautiful things in life…glamorous parties, television and film events, which she always attended with her daughter, Linn; and, travel anywhere, but especially abroad with both Linn and her older daughter, Brenda Sitler Trusty. Always loving to attend dress- up affairs, Mrs. Sitler had been a member of Memphi since the late 1960s. She loved to dance and even into her older years, continued to dance the Charleston! Through her South Carolina ancestor, Charles Beck, who served in the American Revolution, Mrs. Sitler was accepted as a member of the Ft. Assumption Chapter of the DAR. Although not really a gardener, she enjoyed the social time she found through her membership in two garden clubs, the Metropolitan Garden Club and the Town and Country Garden Club.She was especially close to her only son, Fred Hally Sitler. As only a truly devoted Mother could conceive of doing, Mrs. Sitler would hold for him a flashlight for long periods of time to light his hobby work on antique and classic cars. Equally devoted, he came to see her and his late father almost every day for years until his own health failed.As an Air Force officer’s wife, she lived in many states and also abroad in West Germany (Wiesbaden) and on the island of Guam. Many times she had to be both father and mother to her three children — as her husband’s Air Force career often took him away from home. Thus, in spite of her gentle demeanor and lack of preparation, like many women of her era, to be independent, she had to serve as head of the household alone for long periods of time. Mrs. Sitler rose to the occasion — proving time and time again that regardless of her sheltered life, she possessed great strength and adaptability. She drew much of her strength from her religion, healthful living, and positive thinking.All her life, her Church family and friends were always important. Along with her husband, Mrs. Sitler was a member of the former Covenant Presbyterian Church congregation in Whitehaven — following Dr. Ed Knox and that congregation to various Church sites until finally arriving at Faith Presbyterian Church in Germantown, where Dr. C. Greg Darden is pastor.Mrs. Sitler is survived by her three children Brenda Sitler Trusty (Bill), Fred Hally Sitler (Barbara), and Linn Sitler. Additionally, Mrs. Sitler has seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Her surviving siblings include Helen Forbragd (Ft. Walton Beach, Florida), Regena O’Neill (Milton, Massachusetts), and Gloria Harman (Atlanta, Georgia). She is also survived by her cousins Alan and Dr. Charlotte Sitler DeFlumere of Memphis, and long-time friends Jane Hill Fleming of Nashville, Blanchard E. Tual of Memphis, Knox Phillips of Eads, and Sharon Fox O’Guin of Memphis.A special thanks is given by family and friends to the professional, compassionate, and loving caregivers who assisted Mrs. Sitler at home. They are Mrs. Cerea Butler, Ms. Tammy Harden, Ms. Wendy Hall, and Ms. Monica Benson.After a private entombment, memorial services will be held Sunday, December 14th, at 2:30 pm at Faith Presbyterian Church at 8816 Poplar Pike in Germantown. Visitation, also at the Church, will follow the services. Gifts in Mrs. Sitler’s memory may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church in her name.“The sorrow of separation is the inevitable price of days and years of precious love.”Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Edna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edna?
Share a story where Edna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edna you’ll never forget.
How did Edna make you smile?