Edna L. (Matthews) Whitfield, 85, of Niles, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 at Regency Place in South Bend, following an extended illness.

She was born Sept. 13, 1925 in Tullahoma, Tenn. to the late John and Willa Bell (Arnold) Matthews.

On April 5, 1941 Edna married Julius Whitfield at a ceremony in Alabama. He preceded her in death in 1985.

A homemaker most of her life, Edna also was retired from Brandywine Public Schools with more than 20 years in food service. She enjoyed spending time working in her yard and growing beautiful flower beds. Edna also valued spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Edna was preceded in death by two sons, Phillip and Roger Whitfield; a sister, Geneva Lemmons; two brothers, Bayne and Louis Matthews.

She is survived by a daughter, Sally (Kenneth) Zmudzinski of Cassopolis; two sons, Timothy (Sandra) Whitfield of Niles and Michael (Lynne) Whitfield of Niles; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Louise Bennett of Buchanan, Ruby Hahn of Bridgeport, Ala. and Nanna (Warren) Witcher of Bridgeport, Ala.; two brothers, James Matthews of Bridgeport, Ala. and Donald (Cathy) Matthews of Chattanooga, Tenn.

In keeping with Edna’s request, the family will be gathering privately for funeral services at Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

An interment will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in Edna’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences, photos and memories may be sent to the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.