Edna Claire Schooley, age 88 of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord, Saturday, November 28, 2015. Edna Claire was born February 21, 1927 in White Plains, GA and married Glenn G. Schooley on September 18, 1948. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn as well as her brothers, Doug and Harold Cunningham. She is survived by her children, Leslie (Larry) Mathews, Laurie (Marvin) Bailey, Lyn (Greg) Breiding, Glenn G. “Greg” Schooley, Lisa (Mark) Sisson; grandchildren, Bryant (Margaret) Mathews, Lindsay (Jared) Schroeder, Andrea (Gilbert) Mana, Paul and Erica Bailey, Stephanie (Brian) Socall, Gregory (Lauren) and Claire Breiding, Lauren (Joal) Mendonsa, Andrew (Lindsay) Sisson; great-grandchildren, Elise Mathews, Elliott Schroeder, Ellis and Lewis Socall, Elim and Ember Sisson; brother, Holmes (Gerry) Cunningham; sister, Carolyn “Sug” Walton; many nieces and nephews. Edna Claire cherished family life, making a wonderful home for her husband and children. She delighted in her grandchildren and they in her, and welcomed friends and strangers alike into her home. Edna Claire’s faith and church were at the center of her life. She was an active leader at all the churches she and Glenn were members of, in Grand Rapids, first at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and most recently at Fifth Reformed Church. She lived out her faith through serving others. Edna Claire gave endless hours to Habitat for Humanity, Heartside Ministries, The Other Way Ministries, Bible Study Fellowship, and well into her eighties, at God’s Kitchen. Edna Claire received her bachelor’s degree from Agnes Scott College and Masters of Library Science Degree from the University of Michigan. She had a lengthy career with the Kent District Library, from driving the book mobile to serving as the District Deputy Director. As the Programming Director she started many innovative programs to serve library patrons. Edna Claire was an avid sports enthusiast and outdoors person. She particularly enjoyed long distance bike trips, cross-country skiing, canoeing, hiking, and camping, as well as traveling around the world exploring other cultures. Gardening and reading books were sources of great pleasure for her. Memorial services will be held Saturday 12:00 Noon at Fifth Reformed Church, 2012 Griggs St. SE, Pastor Jon Sherrill, officiating. Visitation Friday 5-7 PM at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids and on Saturday from 11 AM – 12 Noon at church. Memorial contributions may be made to The Other Way Ministries, 710 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, Clancy Street Ministries, 940 Clancy Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or South End Community Outreach Ministries, 1545 Buchanan Ave. SW #3, Grand Rapids, MI 49507.
