Dates
Edith Lorene Dunham, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and caretaker, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the age of 98, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, service, and unwavering devotion to God, her family, and her community. She was often found reading her Bible, immersed in God's word. Her love for Jesus was evident in everything she did, and her life reflected her commitment to living out His teachings. Jesus was the guiding light of her life.
Public Viewing will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Brother George Cooper, retired Grace Temple Baptist Church Minister, and Pastor Justin Smith, pastor of The Vessel Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
Born in Krum, on August 15, 1927, to Wylie and Ollie Belle McKee, Edith was one of fifteen siblings and the third youngest in a large, hardworking family. From a young age, she learned the value of perseverance, completing her education through the seventh grade before dedicating herself to working on the family farm. There, she picked cotton and peanuts, often carrying heavy burlap sacks on her back under the hot Oklahoma sun.
At age 16, Edith began working as a carhop at Herman's Pig Stand in Seminole, Oklahoma, where she met the love of her life, Jimmie Dunham. They married three years later in 1947.
When her mother passed away, Edith was just 18 years old. She lovingly stepped into the role of caretaker for her two younger siblings-a reflection of her lifelong commitment to nurturing others.
Her greatest joy was in caring for children, and she found her calling in San Angelo, where she ran Dunham's Kiddie Korner, a daycare that became a home-away-from-home for countless children for over 20 years. Known for her warm, home-cooked meals, spotless nursery, and kind heart, Edith was loved by every child she cared for. She called them her babies and treated them all as family. Every parent who walked through her doors knew their child was cared for and loved deeply. Her daycare was more than just a place for children to learn and play-it was a sanctuary of love and care.
Edith was everyone's grandma. Even years after closing Kiddie Korner, "her babies" would often spot her around town, running up for a big hug and fond memories-and she remembered them all.
She had an extraordinary capacity to love deeply. Her heart was so big that it embraced everyone she met-her family, her friends, her children's friends, her grandkids' friends, and the countless children she cared for at the daycare. Her door was always open for anyone to stop by, get a hug, and enjoy a home-cooked meal. No one was a stranger to her. She was the best role model we could have asked for, showing us what it truly means to love unconditionally, to serve others selflessly, and to walk in faith with humility and joy.
After retiring from her daycare, Edith continued her work with children by leading the nursery at Grace Temple Baptist Church for 18 years. There, she cared for infants with the same love and gentleness that defined her entire life.
Jim and Edith lived quite an adventurous life. They traveled to Europe, Hawaii, and all over the United States. In 2007, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a memorable trip to Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone, one of their favorite adventures they did together. They owned a pilot car service and escorted wide loads across the country. Edith was always "copilot" reading road maps and pouring Jim's coffee.
She was a proud member of the V8 Club, the antique car club, and the square-dancing club.
Edith is survived by her five children, Linda Coates, Judy Hiebeler, Connie Brown and husband Danny, Bryan Chet Dunham, and Kayla Dunham; her nine grandchildren, Sherri Thompson, Jana Braden and husband Cody, Holley Moore, Matt Crockett and wife Renee, Travis Crockett, Wade Brown and wife Natalee, Rachel Ballard and husband Dillion, Cameron Ivory, and Jacob Dunham; she also leaves behind 13 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were deeply blessed by her love and wisdom. Edith is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmie Dunham; her grandson, Jimmy Loftin; and her great-granddaughter, Amber Loftin.
Edith's life was a testament to quiet strength, unshakable faith, and boundless compassion. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those she nurtured-whether as a wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, caregiver, or friend.
Now, she is in the arms of Jesus-rejoicing with her sweetheart.
In lieu of flowers please make memorials to The Vessel Church, P.O. Box 761, San Angelo, Texas 76902.