Obituary of Corene Elizabeth Edgar

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Corene Elizabeth Edgar entered eternal life with her savior, Jesus Christ, peacefully at her home as her loved ones sang “Because He Lives.” Like her life, her death reflected her faith in Jesus and her love for her family. Corene was a class-act, beautiful, humble, devoted and Godly woman in every way. God commands us to “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.” It is evident to all that she was a wonderful example of that. A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Edgar will be held 2:00 P. M. Sunday, September 3, 2023, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Roger Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Sunday from 1:00 P.M. until service time. Living to the age of 92, she was the matriarch of her family, a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and a successful and passionate business woman who will be missed tremendously. She demonstrated the love of God to her family and friends by reflecting the joy of the Lord wherever she went. She taught by example and always made others feel more important than herself. She was always guided by her big heart for others, her strong work ethic, her listening ear and her unwavering faith in God. Known to her grandchildren and all that loved her as “MamaRene,” she cherished spending all of her time with them. Corene Elizabeth Horsley was born to George William and Sally (McLean) Horsley. She grew up on a farm in Daleville, AL. She graduated from Ozark High School, and married John Curtis Byrd from Dothan, Alabama. Corene always had a sense of style and an eye for fashion. Throughout the years, she worked in the retail business. She worked as the manager of the women’s department at Gaylord’s Department Store in Dothan for many years; however, her love of cosmetics led her to managing the Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in Dothan. Her proudest professional moment was when she saved enough to purchase and become the owner of the Merle Norman Cosmetics in Ozark in 1977. Over her tenure as a studio owner, she owned as many as 3 franchises in Ozark, Troy and Daleville. She worked her stores faithfully over the next four decades. She referred to her customers as family, and should have written a book on her impeccable customer service skills. Known by her customers for her ease of conversation, contagious smile and sweet demeanor, she won the hearts of many in the community. She always had time to listen, and her counsel was wise and on-point. At a time when a woman’s presence in business was an exception, Corene’s determination, wisdom, humility, gentleness and inspirational leadership served as an example for many for over 46 years as a business owner. Corene was a committed follower of Christ. Possessing a true servant’s heart for Jesus, Corene was a faithful member of Faith Assembly of God Church where she joyfully served as the leader of Praise and Worship for many years. After her marriage to Charles K. Edgar in 1993, she attended Ozark Baptist Church where she served as a member of the church choir. She looked forward to the church trips and luncheons with friends in her senior group, as well as attending Sunday School. Corene was proceeded in death by her parents: George and Sally Horsley; husband: Charles Kenneth Edgar; one brother: Ewell (Voncille) Horsley; sisters: Sybil (Irving) Casey, Luna(Ralph) Summers, Janet “Maurie” (Dale) Sherrill, and Cletus Watson; grandaughter: Brittany Shepard Pugh; 2 great-grandsons: Shep Allen Pugh and Jimi Curtis Byrd. She is survived by her loving daughter and work partner, Kim Byrd Shepard (Tim); her adoring son, Micheal Curtis Byrd; grandchildren: Elizabeth Brooke Campbell (Ryan) and Justin Curtis Byrd (Erica); and 3 great grand-children: Allie Elizabeth Campbell, Britlee Ryan Campbell, and Etta Rose Johnson, her brother in-law, who lovingly helped care for her, Clarence F. Watson, as well as many beautiful nieces and nephews she dearly loved. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers who loved Corene as if she were their own mother, and whose tender care made her last years peaceful and happy: Lorraine Hairston, Liz Jones and Angela Laster. The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate service and outpouring of support from Gentiva Hospice caring nurses, Brett Smith and Maddie Faircloth, the social workers and clergy who were there with her to the end. Corene left a legacy to her family of God’s amazing love and grace. We look forward to the day when we will all be reunited in Heaven together. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Brittany Shepard Pugh Memorial Scholarship, 192 Owens Street, Ozark, AL. 36360. Yet, beyond financial donations, Corene always lived by the Golden Rule, “Treat Others The Way You Want To Be Treated.” Look for ways to show kindness in a random act-make someone smile, send a card, pray for someone, help someone down on their luck, give a hug, or simply say “I Love You” in Mamarene’s memory.