Edna Earl Lovelady

Funeral services for Edna Earl Lovelady of Lufkin will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Steve Cowart officiating. Interment will follow in Pollok Cemetery.

Edna Earl Lovelady, age 86, born Edna Earl Matthews to Cleo and Mary Ellen Matthews was called home to be with Our Lord on July 5, 2026 after a long battle with her health. Edna was surrounded by her children and loved ones. As a baby, her maternal grandmother began to call her “Early Bird” because she was always an early riser, and the name stuck. Most all of her life, she was called Bird or Aunt Bird by her loved ones and friends. Edna met and married her One True Love, Leslie, as a young woman and they were married for almost 55 years before his passing.

Mrs. Lovelady is preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and Mary Ellen Matthews of Pollok; her husband, Leslie Lovelady of Lufkin; her sister Lavern Matthews of Pollok; and sister, Janet Morehead of Lufkin.

She is survived by her children, son, Matthew Lovelady of Lufkin; daughter, Melissa Mellon of Diboll; and daughter, Michelle and her husband Chris Johnson of Galveston; her sister, Cliffie Jo Irvin of Pollok; grandchildren, Diana Lovelady of Central, Amber Lovelady of Central, David Parnell and wife Destiny of Diboll, Lance Parnell of Fort Worth, and Boyd Lovelady of Lufkin; step-grandchildren, Ryan Johnson and wife Jennifer of Englewood, Florida, Rand Johnson of Galveston, and Christie Robinson and husband Cody of League City; great-grandchildren, Raven Lovelady of Central, Joshua and Lyric Parnell of Diboll; and step-great-grandchildren, Ryan Johnson of Englewood, Florida, Kodey Johnson of League City, Owen Robinson, Ella Robinson, Alice Robinson, Ada Robinson of League City and Lokie Johnson of League City. Edna is also survived by countless nieces and nephews of whom were all so special to her.

Edna and her husband Leslie lived a very full life with laughter and adventure. Shortly after they married, Edna and Leslie moved to California, during the time that Leslie was in the Service. This is a time that they often described as some of the best years of their lives. After 11 years of marriage, they had their first child, Matthew, who was their pride and joy. It was once said that Leslie was so proud of Matt that he went out and bought more cigars than one man could smoke. A few years went by and God blessed them with a daughter, Melissa, who immediately captured their hearts. Finally, almost exactly two years passed and the Lord blessed them with another girl, Michelle. With a home now full of children, it was time to build on a community.

Edna right away was a perfect homemaker. She made clothes on her sewing machine for her children. She wanted to be home with her family, so she took up selling Avon for many years. Edna was a loving mother who would always sacrifice her time for her family. She would cook three full meals a day back then and it was never short of amazing. Edna still found time for fun things. It was nothing for the kids to get home from school and get assigned to “Block Party Duty”. Herty was a special community back then full of special people and Edna was the ringleader. She would have the block party set up with food and cold drinks and games to play for all. Volleyball was one of her favorites.

Edna loved camping and fishing more than one can say. Weekends were always filled with camping at the lake. She loved gardening, and growing flowers were some of her most cherished times. Her love for gardening has been passed to her children. Garage saleing (what she called it) was one of her most fun pastimes. She loved a good deal.

Edna has been a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church for over 30 years. Her faith has carried her through many years of being very sick. Edna endured years of hospitals and doctors, all of which were blessings to her and her family. Because of her faith, she was able to do all of that with a smile on her face, love in her heart and a lot of optimism. With the love and support of her family and friends, Edna has been an example of what faith, prayer, and love can help one overcome. Until we meet again, we will miss your laughter, smile and warm hugs. We love you.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home, and Saturday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Carroway Family Reception Room.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.