“An Unsung Soldier”

 “An Unsung Soldier”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

 

        On November 27, 2025 a dear sister in Christ passed from this world (Ecc. 9:5; Hwb. 9:27). She came from poor circumstances in Kentucky, born during the Depression. Yet, this lady loved the Lord, became a Christian, and married a preacher of the gospel. Their life together allowed them to travel these United States and to raise three sons “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Her and her husband were married for 75 years, having celebrated their 75^th in July of this year!

            Loretta Edwards lived her life in faithfulness to God and to her husband and children. She was a sweet lady who has known me literally all of my life. She (and Johnie) visited me in the hospital when I was born! Before this, she and my grandmother (Betty Abram) had been dear friends since the 50s. Loretta and my grandmother raised children and grandchildren together. Both of these ladies had an artistic eye and loved creative work in their own ways.

            Known only to God would be the full extent of the influence Loretta has had on my life, but it started before I got here (Matt. 5:16)! Once I began preaching, she was an encourager to me. Having supported a husband in preaching, she knew what I was getting into! Yet, she was not loud or boisterous, demanding I listen to her. She had a quiet influence by her example, and in certain moments when she spoke, her words had a significant impact (Prov. 31:26).

            This lady took an interest in me in many ways. Even in her final days on earth, she asked me about the gospel meetings I was preaching and how they went, etc. She asked about the brethren at Spencer and how they were getting along. She wanted to know the truth was being preached (II Tim. 4:2). She truly cared for souls far and near (Prov. 25:25).

            I remember the little jokes she told and her precious sense of humor. She certainly brought “balance” to Johnie in the marriage. She was a benefit, an asset, to any church to which she belonged through the years.

            More could be said, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Loretta would probably be embarrassed by this little article. She would want people to know about the Lord. She would want everyone to know that she was once lost in sin and her soul was bound for Hell, as is true for everyone (Rom. 3:23). However, she learned the truth and obeyed the gospel. She heard the word (Matt. 17:5; Acts 2:22), believed in Christ as the Son of God (Jn. 8:24; Rom. 10:17), repented of her sins (Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30), confessed her faith in Christ (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:10), and was baptized for the remission of her sins (Acts 2:38; I Pet. 3:21). She then began a journey of faithfulness to the Lord, following Him through both good times and bad (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10). This plan of salvation she obeyed is what she also taught her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This fact, the salvation in Christ, is what makes her stand out to me and to so many who knew and loved her.

            I titled this article “The Unsung Soldier” because often the “preacher’s wife” does not get the credit she deserves for the work and sacrifice she displays in the Lord’s kingdom. At the same time, most preachers’ wives I know prefer it that way, just like the virtuous woman (Prov. 31:23). She wants her husband to get the credit for standing and preaching, instructing, and showing folks the way to the Lord and salvation. She does not desire “glory” or being “known” by others. This was Loretta Edwards. She was a blessing to my family and me for close to four generations, and like Paul said, we “sorrow not as others who have no hope” (I Thess. 4:13). I am looking forward to a great and grand reunion one day!