Edna Black Weller finished her earthly journey on October 10th, 2024, and walked into the arms of her Savior. She was born on January 8th, 1944, to the late Pearl Black and Taft Black.
Edna lived a positive life dedicated to serving God, her family, and her fellow man and community. She considered her 33-year career in banking and her many years of community involvement as her ministry in serving others. Edna loved her family deeply, enjoyed her friends, and loved to read. Having beat breast cancer in 1998 and again in 2021, Edna was grateful for her long life.
Edna graduated from Morganton High School in 1962. She attended Western Piedmont Community College and completed banking courses at the American Institute of Banking. She spent 30 years with Wachovia Bank and three years at BB&T, progressing in the banking industry from teller to assistant vice president and branch manager. In addition to her banking career, she served as the Director of Outreach and Development and Volunteer Services for Hospice & Palliative Care and as interim director of Burke County United Way and Burke County Chamber of Commerce.
Weller was elected to the Burke County Board of Education in 2011 and served until 2021. She loved reading and volunteering in classrooms across the county and was well-known by many in the school system as Mama E. In addition to serving on the school board, Edna served on many other boards including the board of directors for Phoenix Group Home, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, United Way of Burke County, Burke County Chamber of Commerce, Western Piedmont Community College Foundation, Burke Alliance for Youth, Appalachian State University Parent Advisory Council, and J. Iverson Riddle Senior Corp Advisory. She was a trained mediator for the Conflict Resolution Center.
In 1998, Edna received the Burke Chamber of Commerce President’s Award; in 2000, she received the Outstanding Community Leadership Award for Volunteer of the Year; in 2003 she was the Burke County Woman of the Year and she was voted Best Banker of Burke County by the citizens of Burke County; and in 2008 she received the Burke County United Way Community Builder Award.
In addition to her parents, Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; sisters, Ophelia Fortune and Catherine McDaniel; her brother, Bill Black; and nephews, Jimmy Black and Ken Fortune.
Survivors include her children, Jeff Weller (Gina) of Morganton, Leah Weller (Sean) of Glen Alpine, and Damian Weller (Amanda) of Candler; grandchildren, T.J. Weller of Morganton; Courtney Hull (Drew) of Connelly Springs, and Zachery Weller of Morganton; great-grandchildren, Blakely and Cooper Hull; sister Dorothy McGalliard (Don) of Newton; sister-in-law, Christine Black of Kernersville; and many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as their spouses.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2024 at Sossoman Funeral Home. A memorial service to honor Edna’s beautiful life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024in the chapel of First Baptist with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Rev. Fred Schuszler officiating. Entombment will follow in the columbarium located at the bell tower at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the Burke County Public Library, 204 S. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or Burke County United Way, 121 W Union St., Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Dear Family, Edna was a beautiful person is so many ways. She was always gracious and friendly. She was a true friend to our community. Blessings as you move forward without her. Nancy Ferguson Brown
So sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. She and I worked together many years at Wachovia Bank. I know she will be missed by her famil y, friends and community. Praying God will comfort each of you with His love and peace.
My sincere condolences to Edna's family. I first met her in the bank. I served on a committee with years later. I remember her as a caring and intelligent person. May God bless each of you during this most difficult time of your lives.
Prayers for the family. In our meetings over many years her love for her family was paramount along with her strong faith. Edna was a classmate to Jan and me since junior high. She contributed so much to so many in our community. I cherish good memories! John Branstrom
Edna was a wonderful lady. I worked with her thru the schools and the chamber. She was a valuable asset to the community and will be sorely missed.
Jeff and Gina, sorry to heat about your mom, prayers for your family
Leah, Jeff,Damian and family: I am so sorry to learn about Edna passing away. I worked with her many years and she was a true lady. She loved her God and used her gifts for helping her Community. She will truly be missed. Prayers of comfort to all of her family Pat Clark
