Edith Collins Oates

September 2, 1919 - October 28, 2013
Edith Collins Oates

Edith Collins Oates passed away at the age of 94 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC on Monday, October 28, 2013. She was a lifelong Henderson County resident, having been born September 2, 1919 in Hendersonville to late Bessie Clayton Collins and Carroll Collins. She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert T. Oates, Jr. who died in February 2002; a brother Harold Collins; and a son Larry A. Oates, who died in May of 2004.

Edith was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville for over 50 years and prior to that was a member of Valley Hill Baptist Church. She was a seamstress for Ruth Originals (Ruth of Carolina) and a sales associate for several local stores during her working career.

She is survived by one sister, Ruby Collins Oates; one brother Max Collins and his wife Margaret of Hendersonville; one son Ronald W. Oates and wife Jean of Hendersonville; one daughter Janice Oates Crawford and husband Don of Lilburn, Georgia; six grandchildren Alan Oates and Brian Oates (Lynn) both of Marietta, Georgia, Stephanie Merchiore (Chris) of Atlanta, Georgia, Lisa Lennkh (Matthias) of London, England, Michael Crawford (Jessica) of McDonough, Georgia, and David Crawford (Lauren) of Valdosta, Georgia; seven great-grandchildren, Brycen and Emilee Grace Oates, Alexandre Lennkh, Brooke and Blake Crawford, and Ava and Jack Crawford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 31, 2013 in the Kirby Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Rev. Wally Shamburger will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Shepherd Memorial Park.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the caregivers at Dr. William R. Moffittís office of Hendersonville and the Elizabeth House of Flat Rock. Also, special thanks to the friends and neighbors in Brooklyn Manor that have so faithfully shown their concern and love for Edith. Flowers are welcome or donations to Four Season Elizabeth House, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 will be greatly appreciated.


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  • October 30, 2013
    Brandon Herman says:
    Many thoughts and prayers to the family of Ms. Oates. She will always hold a very special place in my heart. Very glad I had the pleasure to live next to her for many years, and getting to share numerous great conversations over those years. She bestowed countless amounts of priceless wisdom to me. Although the world lost her, she will certainly be welcomed with open arms at the gates of heaven. RIP Ms. Oates. --Brandon Herman

  • October 30, 2013
    James and Mary Ann Stewart says:
    May it help to know that many are sharing in your sorrow and holding you up in prayer. With sympathy, Breavment Committee First Baptist Church

  • October 30, 2013
    Donna Collins says:
    Janice, Ronnie, and all . . . I was sorry to hear that Aunt Edith had been in the hospital. Dad kept me informed, and Margaret called when she passed on Monday. I know that she will be missed. She lived a long and fruitful life, but I'm sure it was hard to be alone after your dad died. I will not be able to attend the funeral as I have an appointment that had already been rescheduled once. However, please know that my thoughts are with you all. Donna

  • November 02, 2013
    Susie Harper says:
    Dear Janice and Ron, and all Family and Friends of my Aunt Edith, I am so happy that I got to know my Dear Aunt Edith, if only by our many telephone conversations, but I love her and will miss her for the rest of my life. We promised each other that we would be together, someday, in Heaven, and would continue on with our relationship. God Bless my Cousins, as He Blessed my Sweet Aunt Edith. Love, Susie