Edna Louise (Barnhill) Woodcock

    Edna Louise Barnhill Woodcock left this earthly life to join her beloved husband, Allie, on June 9, 2022 at 92 years of age at the home of her daughter, Val, in Beaufort, NC after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was lovingly cared for by Val and her two devoted caregivers and companions, granddaughter Erica Sornsen and Tammy Davis.

   She was born January 22, 1930 in Pender County, NC, the daughter of Sterling S. Barnhill and Lorna Louise Cottle Barnhill. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Allie Carr "AC" Woodcock, Jr.; her brothers, Olen “Barney” Barnhill and David Barnhill; and sister, Blanche Thompson.

     She learned a strong work ethic helping out in the boarding house her mother ran in Atkinson. Edna attended school in Burgaw until the 3rd grade, then Atkinson High School, where she met sweetheart, Allie Carr Woodcock, Jr. They were married in Conway, SC on October 20, 1946 and celebrated 68 years together. Edna’s favorite things were a lifetime love of reading, nurturing her husband and children, family reunions and gatherings for holidays, “cooking for a crowd” with many of her recipes in the Woodcock Family Cookbook which she helped to compile. As a young girl, riding on A.C.’s bicycle handlebars and later in life playing golf with him were favorite pastimes. She loved the beach, but never learned to swim, however, twice saved daughter Allyne from drowning. Edna was always kind and trusting, defended her brother David from bullying and taught her children these values. Edna loved dogs and cats and always had some. Edna’s most notable career was being a military wife and mother during her husband’s highly decorated career in the US Coast Guard, moving the family many times throughout the US from Florida to Alaska. She was very active as a military wife and served as president of the Officer's Wives Club in Cape May, NJ. In 1968 Edna started her first outside job at Barbie’s Fabric Shop in Maryland and within 3 years became the Corporate Manager of a chain of fabric stores. After retirement and moving back to Atkinson she also served on the Board of Directors of Pender Memorial Hospital in Burgaw. Edna was blessed to have served in many different capacities in Chapter 280 of the Atkinson Order of Eastern Star, elected to receive degrees in 1958 and served as Worthy Matron in 1998 and 1999. She served 64 years and in 2017 received a life Membership.

     Edna is survived by daughters, Allyne Gay McKeon (Gerard), Valeria Anne Preddy (Harry), and Pamela Joy King (Tom); son, Allie Carr Woodcock, III (Karen); eight grandchildren, Kimberly, Guy, Kristen, Erica, Benjamin, Hanna, Brittany and Jesse; fourteen great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and many extended family members.

     Graveside service will be 11:00 am., Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Woodcock Cemetery, 1303 Beattys Bridge Road, Atkinson, with Reverend Merrell McKoy officiating.

     Family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.

     Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association

     Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

     Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.

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