Without warning, death plucked a beautiful flower from our garden on Friday, November 17, 2023, when Edna W. Runner submitted to the beckoning call of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:25

Edna Mae Wallace was born January 29, 1952, in Barnwell, South Carolina. She was the fourth child and first girl born to Charles and Edna W. Wallace. She was affectionately named after her mother.

In 1955, the Wallaces moved their family to Jupiter. After several years of being a stay-at-home mom, Edna’s mother needed to get a job. Because there were no babysitters or daycare Facilities, her mother prematurely enrolled her in L M Davis Elementary School with her three older brothers. Edna grew and matured beyond her years. Adding to their family, her parents gave birth to four more siblings. As she grew older, Edna Mae shared the responsibility of nurturing and caring for her younger siblings, especially her brother Bernie. He was born with severe cerebral palsy and other mental/physical challenges. Big Edna gave her the title and task of family matriarch in her early years. Little Edna was destined to literally become a “RUNNER” to love and care for God’s people. Her innate gift for caring and compassion was evident from a young age. The Friendly Travelers Club, founded by the late Mrs. Matilda Pearson, was a result of a good deed act by this young, determined teenager Edna Mae Wallace. She was always courageous and bold.

Edna attended L M Davis Elementary, Lincoln Jr High in Riviera Beach, and graduated from Jupiter High School Class of 1969. She obtained National Administrator and Child Development Credentials; Florida Childcare Director Credentials Level 2; an Associate Degree from Jacksonville Theological Seminary.

After high school, Edna worked odd jobs before becoming full time with Wallace Daycare in Riviera Beach. In 1971, Thelma Pittman sought after her to work for Jupiter Preparatory School, and “after much thought and consideration, I accepted”. She worked there for 26 years. In 1997, she was hired as Program Coordinator by the West Jupiter Community Group. When the Executive Director position became vacant, she was assigned acting interim director. Within months, she was appointed Executive Director until her recent retirement. Today the center bears her name due to her impact, inspiration, and concernment for the children and families of the West Jupiter Community. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with several awards and accomplishments. She was honored with the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States; 2022 Trailblazer of the Year Award; Regional winner of the Isuzu After-School Hero of the Year; Florida Childcare Coalition Award of Excellence; Above and Beyond Award from Palm Beach County Out of School Consortium; Outstanding Citizenship Award from The Town of Jupiter; The Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Women in Leadership Award; 2023 First Nonprofits Executive of the Year Award.

At an early age, Edna joined Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. In the early 70’s, she rededicated her life to Christ and became a faithful member of Jupiter Church of God, under the pastorship of the late Reverend P. A. Nesbitt, Jr and First Lady Doris Nesbitt. She expeditiously grew in her spiritual walk and knowledge of God. This was manifested and enhanced in the many positions she held: Youth & Christian Education Directress, Bible & Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member (singing in the key of frog), Mission Member, and Prayer Warrior.

Edna was an ordained licensed Evangelist through Church of God General Headquarters, Cleveland, Tennessee; she held the prestigious title of “Woman of the Year” in 1983, through Ladies Ministry Department; founder/performer of Pioneers for Christ Outreach and Puppet Ministry. Through revivals and outreach ministering, many souls were saved, both young and old for the up building of God’s Kingdom. In 2008, she joined Calvary Church under the pastorship of Pastor Dan Plourde. She served as a greeter, prayer partner, and communion leader until her passing.

On March 5, 1973, she was married to David Lee Runner in Jacksonville, Duval County. To this union, a son was born named David Lee Runner, Jr. Preceding her in death are her father and mother; 4 brothers, Charles, James, Marion, and Bernie; 2 sisters, Susie and Gladys.

Left to cherish her memories and enduring legacy are: 2 sons, David (Casey) Runner of Jupiter, and Eddie (Crystal) Runner of Loxahatchee; a sister, Annie R. Conway of Tequesta; a paternal brother, Will (Mae) Carter of Allentown, Pennsylvania; 3 nephews, Daniel (Shawna) Pitts of Vero Beach, Charles Conway of Tampa, and Travis Conway of Lake Park; 4 grandchildren, Cecelia & David Runner III, and Darius & Ellie Runner; a grand nephew, Daniel Pitts Jr; 2 grand nieces, Angeleah & Avianna Pitts; 2 Godsons, Sylvester Jr (Loretta) Steele of Honolulu, Hawaii and Edward (Iris-special friend) Etheredge of Atlanta, Georgia; adopted kindred Sylvester & Anne Steele Family of Jupiter; special family, John Henry & Henrietta Gloyne Family of Cherokee, North Carolina; a host of cousins, other relatives, friends, Calvary Church Family and The Edna W Runner Tutorial Center and Board of Directors.

A Going Home Service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Church, 10180 West Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL 33478 with Pastor Dan Plourde officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, Hollywood Boulevard Chapel, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that monetary donations to be given or directed to the Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center at 7187 Church Street, Jupiter, FL 33458, or online at www.ewrunnerctr.org.