Edna Lucille Likens Fritts, 89 years old was born on August 15, 1933 in Richlands, NC of Onslow County and went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on March 30, 2023.

Her Celebration of Life will be held at Jones Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville, NC  on Monday,  April 3, 2023  at 12:00 pm.  The service will be officiated by her special nephew, Donald Wetherington.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George L. and Nora L. Likens; her step-mother Mae Baker Likens; her husband of over 50 years, Jesse Fritts; her sister, Irene Likens Huffman; her brothers, Elbert Lee Likens, Sr. and George Robert Likens; and her step-bothers Tommy Baker and Mack Baker; and her nephew Lee Huffman.

She is survived by her nieces, Joy Likens Wetherington and husband, Donald, Jane Likens Rasmussen, and April Denson; her nephews, Elbert Lee Likens, Jr. "Burt" and his wife, Pam, Ronny Huffman and his wife, Robbin; great niece Kristie Genao and Amanda Jewell; great nephews; Gene Jewell, Todd Jewell, Joseph Rasmussen, Alex and his wife, Kendal Rasmussen; great, great nieces, Nova Rasmussen, Cora Rasmussen, and  Lacey Almodoba; great great nephews, Nicholas Jewell and Zachariah Almodoba; sister-in-law, Judy Denson; step-sister, Jessie Shepard and her husband, WD "Pug" and Barbara Weston and her husband Thomas; A very special cousin, Merc Earl "Tappy" Taylor who always assisted her when needed without hesitation. She is also survived by many cousins and wonderful friends not only in North Carolina, but in other states.

In addition to those mentioned, she is survived by her best friend and sister-in law, Betsy Edwards Likens. Since they both had lost their spouses they spent many days together through the years. Especially eating weekly lunches at the Piccadilly for lunch or Chick - Fil- A. There relationship evolved into a loving and supporting relationship known as "Sisters."

Bill Hines, was her boyfriend that spent the past several years with her. They lived their lives to the fullest together. They went so many beautiful places together and were bonded with their love for one another. He spoiled her so much and she loved it. The family thanks Bill for taking such good care of our loved one until it was impossible for him to do so. We also would like to thank Bill's son, Rudy Hines and his wife, Colleen and the Erny Family for the special occasions and get togethers they spent at Rudy's house. She loved them all and loved the times she shared with them.

Charles Efird, that she claimed as her heartfelt son, his wife Lea, and their family she loved so dearly. She worked for Charles at Modern Exterminating for 25 years where he, his family, and her co-workers became a part of her family. She loved each and every one of them and would call many of them her babies. Charles and his family have always been there for my Aunt Edna, especially after Jesse died. If she needed an answer or direction she would tell me, "I need to call Charles." He never failed her. During her sickness I have followed suit with those phone calls. Our family would like to thank them for loving her and helping her in her times of need.

Kitty Hartley was her hairdresser, but she called Edna Mama and Edna called her daughter. They were special friends for many years and the bond of love between them was strong. Many clients/friends would gather at Kitty's place of business just to enjoy the fellowship they had. Kitty is an angel on earth for so many elderly people that are now deceased and also those that are still living. We thank her for the love she showed Edna through the years and up until the time she passed with her visits.

Edna being born a redhead and her parents naming her Lucille, family and friends became to know the reason why. She was a loving, caring, determined and independent woman and on occasion a strong willed woman. She loved her family and friends but we knew what buttons not to press. She would protect those she loved no matter who the encounter might have been with. She would not back down in her love of protecting and standing firm for her family or friends. "When there is great grief, there was great love."

Flowers are welcomed or donations may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital in Edna's Honor.