Edith Lee Wallas

Edith Lee Wallas, 95, died peacefully in Austin, Texas, on February 5, 2003. She was born in Unaka, NC to the late Purl P. and Mary Belle McClure Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, J. F. “Jack” Wallas, who died in 1984. She and Jack built their beautiful granite home, Sunning Hill, with their own hands and enjoyed residence there for over 50 years. Her only son, Joseph Higdon, Jr., preceded her in death in 1988. Two daughters, Carolyn Higdon Head of Durham and Emma Lee Higdon Henry of Austin, and her brother Charles Fred Johnson of Andrews survive her. Edith was also the proud and loving grandmother of fourteen and the beloved great-grandmother to eighteen children. Edith began her life in Unaka in 1908. Her father was a member of the early forestry movement founded in Asheville in the late 19th century, and his profession provided many fond memories for Edith. As a ten year-old girl she would carry the payroll for her father’s forestry crew through the woods by herself, never fearing for her safety. Her fascinating tales included making annual shopping trips to Asheville from Franklin, where she and her family traveled two days by stagecoach. She often marveled at the wonders and changes in our world she had been blessed to live through and to see. Her life spanned the early introduction of the telephone, the first automobile, two world wars, the great depression, the first space travel and man landing on the moon. When speaking of these things she always had a sense of amazement in her voice that was usually followed by the axiom that she was happy to stay close to her beloved Smoky Mountains. An avid gardener and bird watcher, Edith could amaze the most perceptive gardeners and bird lovers with her knowledge of species and their seasonal behaviors. Her zest and enjoyment of these subjects was contagious and she imparted her knowledge with great care and good humor. During her long-time residency in Asheville, Edith’s picture graced many a Sunday paper as she modeled the latest fashions from M.V. Moore where she also held the position of women’s-wear buyer and manager. In later years, as an astute businesswoman, she worked alongside her husband, Jack, and together they brought televisions, jukeboxes, and early electronic games to Asheville and the western counties. In many ways Edith was a women’s pioneer. She was an active member of the West Asheville Baptist Church and founding member of the Sunbeams Program. She was also an active member and two-term president of the Asheville Professional Business Women’s Association. Edith was much loved and is sorely missed. Graveside services will be 1:00 pm Sunday at Green Hills Cemetery with the Rev. Burl Ledford officiating.