Leesville—Mrs. Luanne Watson Edwards, 95, peacefully passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023. She was born on December 21, 1927 in Batesburg, and grew up on Hibernia Farm, a daughter of the late Thomas Bates and Annie Louise Shealy Watson.

Being raised in a musical family, Luanne sang in a trio in and around Batesburg-Leesville. She eventually studied and became an organist and piano teacher in Leesville, teaching many students in the surrounding area. As a member of the First Baptist Church of Batesburg, she became the organist and choir director. She was also the organist and choir director at the B-L Presbyterian Church. In addition to her music passion, Luanne also did administrative work at several businesses in the area and eventually retired from Rawls Auto Auction in Leesville. After retirement, she started Expert Tag and Title Services obtaining SC duplicate titles for dealers and retiring completely at the age of 89.

Luanne was an expert bridge player, eventually taking up duplicate bridge. She obtained her life master and then worked with partners to help them to achieve the level, as well as hosting tournaments in Batesburg-Leesville.

Surviving are her daughters, Lynn Bates Mobley, of Rock Hill, SC, Marsha E. Wiggins of Charlotte, NC, Jane E. Keegan (Ken)  of Cary, NC, and Mary Ann Smith of Columbia, SC; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sarah Watson of Leesville, SC.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, James Albert “Ed” Edwards.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Batesburg with the Rev. Henry Stamper officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Batesburg, 436 West Church Street, Batesburg, SC 29006 or to a charity of your choice. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic B-L Chapel is assisting the family.