Neva "Edna" Kirkman-Widgeon

Neva Edna Kirkman Widgeon who went by her middle name, Edna, passed away on June 20, 2019 at nearly 105. She was born in Summersville, Missouri, on July 13, 1914. Her parents were Oscar Elmer Kirkman and Beulah Ethel Roarke Kirkman. She was orphaned at the age of 4 and was then raised by her aunt and uncle, Effie Kirkman Sterling and George Washington “Wash” Sterling; growing up with her cousin Goldie Sterling (later McCallister), who was like a sister. Her older brother Rex Oliver Kirkman and younger sister Dena Ethel Kirkman Brumfield grew up with grandparents on a nearby farm in Summersville. Edna graduated from Summersville High School in 1931. She graduated from Springfield Teachers College (now Southwest Missouri State) and taught school in various locations around Missouri until the mid-1940’s, when she moved to San Diego, CA. She married Don Franklin Widgeon in 1947. They had one son, Edwin Lee Widgeon who resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is survived by her son Edwin, her daughter in-law Mirna “Mabel” Garzona Widgeon, grandchildren Charlene Mabel Widgeon, Edwin Don Widgeon, Scarlett Widgeon Paisner, Scarlett’s husband Sage Daniel Paisner and great granddaughter Alita Isolina Paisner; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews and their extended families. Edna became a Christian at an early age and remained faithful to her belief all her life.