Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

October 10, 2025

CHARLOTTE – Miriam Killian Edwards, age 78, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on October 10, 2025.  Miriam was the daughter of the late Herman Moore Killian and Edith Bass Killian.  

Miriam graduated from Harding High School in Charlotte, NC, in 1965. Miriam married her husband, David Ronald “Ron” Edwards, on September 24, 1965, and they enjoyed a loving relationship during 60 years of marriage. During their professional careers they lived in Charlotte, NC; Asheville, NC; Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; and Birmingham, AL. 

Miriam was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and homemaker. She believed in public education and devoted many years to her children’s CMS schools and she admired their administrators, teachers, and staff.  As an adult, Miriam prioritized her own education and attended Queens University. 

Throughout her life, Miriam dedicated herself to serving others. She combined two of her passions for volunteering and the public school system by becoming the president of the Selwyn Elementary School PTA, AG Middle School PTA, and Myers Park High School PTA. Miriam was named volunteer of the year by the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System in recognition of her time, talents, and achievements. 

While her children and grandchildren went through school, she was a mom not only to them, but to the classrooms, cheerleading, softball, and baseball teams--all while being a carpool extraordinaire. She also coached a two-time state champion Odyssey of the Mind AG Middle School team.

Beyond her passion for education, she volunteered with the NICU and PICU of Atrium Health, fielded calls for the Family Support Center on behalf of victims of domestic abuse, and pursued community betterment through groups such as her garden club.  While living in Asheville, NC, she served as the president of the Asheville Art Museum. She was a member of The Junior League of Asheville and continued her volunteer work in The Junior League of Charlotte.

Miriam practiced her faith every day of her life as a Christian. She was a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church and the Builders Sunday School class. She loved her church community, and the members of her Sunday School class played an important role in her life.

Miriam saw the best in others and greeted everyone with a welcoming smile and a warm hug. As an outgoing, friendly person she never met a stranger whether it be in grocery stores, hospitals, or even on NYC subways. She was the spiritual leader of her family, and every family meal began with her eloquently thanking Jesus for His blessings. She was a trusted life counselor to her children and grandchildren; she shared a special bond with all her grandchildren (M’Kenzie, Hunter, Bailey, Killian, Camden, and Riley) who lovingly called her Granny.  She had many genuine friendships that were created through years of trust, love, and mutual admiration. She and Ron enjoyed their Wednesday night dinner group for many years.

Miriam’s family and friends find it challenging to summarize her immense contributions to their lives: She leaves an enduring legacy of grace on this Earth by way of her intelligence, wit, faith, warmth, humor, energy, and spunk.  

Miriam is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ron Edwards; their three children, Michelle Kanellopoulos (Chris), Kasey Tuttle (Jon), and David Edwards-Werhan (Paige); six grandchildren, M’Kenzie McNally, Hunter Simpson, Bailey Simpson, Killian Simpson, Camden Tuttle, and Riley Edwards; and one great-grandchild, Adeline Edwards.

She is also survived by her sister, Joann Apperson; her brother, Herman Killian (Cindy), and sisters-in-law Sherry Clayton (Larry), Cindy Jester (Rusty), and Linda Killian.

She was predeceased by her brother, Larry Killian, and her infant twin sister, Marian.

A memorial service celebrating Miriam’s life will occur Monday, October 20 at 2:00 PM at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.  The family will welcome friends and family following the service in Jubilee Hall, Parish Life Building. 

In lieu of flowers, a gift in Miriam’s memory may be made to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207, www.myersparkumc.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Ken W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 28204, 704-641-7606. Online condolences may be shared atwww.kennethpoeservices.com.