Edna Earl Harman

Edna Earl Marsh (Hughes) Harman, age 92, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on December 21, 2022 following a brief illness.

She was born in Blount County, Alabama, attended Mortimer Jordan High School in Morris, Alabama and later studied English literature at Snead State college. Preceding her in death were her parents Earle Marsh and Irene Marsh, sister Peggy Marsh Hughes, husband James H. Harman, and former husband Elbert C. Hughes.

She is survived by Linda and Wayne Hulon, daughter and son-in-law of Suwanee, Georgia; Marsha and Giuliano Ieronimo, daughter and son-in-law of Columbia, Mississippi; Steve and Kay Hughes, son and daughter-in-law of Laurel, Mississippi; Perry and Tina Hughes, son and daughter-in-law of Pinson, Alabama; grandson Alex Hughes (wife Ivey) of Portland, Oregon and granddaughter Lindsey Locke (husband Brandon) of Atlanta, Georgia; several nieces and nephews; her lifelong best friend Betty Anderton; granddogs Teddy, Kona and Cali and grandcat Leo.

It was shortly after World War II that Edna, a coal miner’s daughter, married a young veteran and farmer

and started a family. While working full time, she made lifelong friends and served her community and state as a member of the governor’s Alabama Cleanup and Beautification committee. She served the farm community also on the Farm Bureau women’s committee. Because of her grand sense of style and fashion, she was sought after and accepted invitations to judge numerous statewide beauty contests including Alabama Maid of Cotton and Alabama Poultry Queen. Later to satisfy her entrepreneurial spirit, Edna and her friend Betty opened a flower and gift shop which they ran successfully for many years gathering many new friends along the way as Edna was loved by everyone who ever made her acquaintance. She and her husband Jim who played at Auburn were dedicated lovers of Auburn football and attended often before his death in 2011. Even late in life, she was in contact weekly with her closest friends.

She was there for everyone whether in happy or sad times and truly was the matriarch who kept the family together.  She taught us to read before we started school and she read several novels a week. She knew no strangers and had many friends. If the world were filled with more people like her, it would be a divine place. The world is in fact better because she was here if only for a while.

We miss you mom. You were pure joy.

Funeral will be Saturday January 14th at Currie Jefferson Funeral Home, 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, AL. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm and Service at 2:00 pm. Graveside will follow at Memorial Gardens which is an adjoining property.