Oscar Kiah Edwards,

Oscar Kiah Edwards, 88 of Bethlehem, passed away on May 14 at Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of CatawbaValley.  He was born March 18, 1923 in Yancey County, NCto the late Amos and Belvie Byrd Edwards.   Mr. Edwards was a charter member of New Vision Baptist Fellowship Church and was a former member of Sunrise Baptist in Asheville, NC.  He had retired from Ethan Allen of Ashevilleand he was a veteran of the United States Army where he served in WWII. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Frankie English Edwards, four brothers, one sister, and one great grandchild. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Barbara Starnes Edwards of the home; one son, Roger Edwards and wife Linda of Asheville; two grandsons, Jeff and Jeremy Edwards of Hendersonville, Two brothers, Edgar Edwards of Crossmore, NC and Rev. Homer Edwards of Marshall, NC; also a number of step children, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces and nephews. A Graveside service will be held Wednesday, May 18 at 11:00 am at ForestLawnMemorial Parkand Funeral Home in Candler, NC; Rev. Carl Hamm and Rev. James Plummer officiating.  A Celebration of Life will be held at New Vision Baptist Fellowship church on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of CatawbaValley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC  28658.   Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service are handling the arrangements.