Edna Jean Swithers, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Florida passed away on May 9, 2026 at home.

Born on June 24, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York to the late William Kick and Margaret Armerding Kick, she grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1958. She met her loving husband Frank at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he joined the choir just to spend time with her.

They married on June 27, 1959 and raised 3 children in Annandale, Virginia. Her children remember her as a kind, patient and loving mother who always encouraged them to pursue their goals.

Edna was accomplished in the kitchen as well as at sewing, knitting and crochet. Her creations made for many Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren.

She retired from her position as a Vice President at Global Printing in 2000, and she and Frank moved to Fernandina Beach in 2005. She was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where she devoted herself especially to preparing meals for the unhoused through the Interdenominational Network.

Edna leaves behind her husband of 66 years, Frank Swithers of Fernandina Beach; sons Frank Swithers, Jr. of Springfield, VA and Bill Swithers of Savannah, GA; and daughter Susie Swithers of West Lafayette, IN; along with her grandchildren Bill Shields (Kristen), Kelly Shields Sharpe (Ben), Christopher Shields, Alexis Morell, Juliana Morell, and Michael Swithers; and her great-grandchildren Carly Shields, Caity Shields, Ethan Sharpe, and Andrew Sharpe.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 15 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, 1305 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach.

Funeral services will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, on Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m. followed by a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edna’s memory to the Barnabas Center of Nassau County (barnabasnassau.org) or the Nassau County Council on Aging (www.nassaucountycouncilonaging.org).