Edna Collins Ferris

Edna Collins Ferris, 91, passed away October 6, 2023, at her home in Waco. A Memorial Service to honor her life will be held at 5:00 p.m., on November 11, 2023, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 617 North 17th Street, Waco, Texas 76707.

“At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Edna was born September 27, 1932, and raised in Rochester, New York. Her early employment at the Rochester Times Union evolved into a lifelong career of teaching young children, starting as a Sunday School teacher at the Greek Orthodox Church in Rochester, where she met Charles Ferris, whom she would marry on May 19, 1957. They moved to Waco in 1963, where Edna became involved in the PTA, the Philoptochos Society, a dinner group from church called the “Dirty Dozen,” and the Waco Syrian Association while raising her three children Lisa, Elias (ET) and Stephanie. In 1972, when her youngest daughter started school, Edna (Mrs. Ferris) began teaching Pre-School at Jack N Jill School. Upon becoming a grandmother in 1983, she added summer “Camp Grandmother” to her repertoire, to the delight of her grandchildren.

Edna taught school for over 40 years: at Jack N Jill from 1972 to 1994, at St. Alban’s from 1995 through 2006, and St. Louis from 2006 to 2012, retiring at the age of 80. She enveloped her students in her love and instilled in them lifelong lessons of compassion and unconditional love. With her key phrase “Never say I can’t always say I’ll try”. An accomplished painter, she brought an artistic touch to everything she did. Edna was an intelligent, artistic, witty, and graceful individual; always present to laugh with you or to wipe away a tear. Her gentle advice and steadfast support and guidance were always welcomed. She always prompted others to be their best selves. Her legacy of love and kinship will endure for generations through her beloved family as well as her countless students.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Charles (Chuck) E. Ferris; her brother, George Collins; and her grandson, Nicholas (Nick) Sheldon.

She is survived by her sisters, Pat Fennessy and Kathy Proia; daughter, Lisa Sheldon (Rick) and their children, Lauren, and Zee (Kyng); her son, ET Ferris (Lisa) and their children, Ansley (Anthony), Austin, Aubrie, and Charlee; daughter, Stephanie Ferris and her children Zoe’ (Curt), Sophia (Tyler), Charis, Xristo, Anissa and Melina; along with many extended family, friends and students far and wide.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Casey Tusa Summey, Home Instead and Harbor Hospice: Amanda, Emily, Karen and especially Maria “the real deal” for their loving care.

Upon her retirement, a scholarship was established at MCC for Early Childhood Education in her honor. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor her legacy may be made to the Edna Ferris Endowed Scholarship in Education at the McLennan Community College Foundation, 1400 College Drive, Waco, TX 76708 or online at http://bit.ly/MCCFND21

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.