Edna (Russell) Santana

Edna Russell Santana, 77, of West Jefferson, NC passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on May 17th, 2026.

Edna was born in Ybor City, Florida on October 31st, 1948. She spent her early life in Florida, between the Tampa-area, Miami, and the majority in Key West. She moved to Ashe County, North Carolina where the family vacationed for the holidays in 2006.

Her faith was always a strong influence in her life. She grew up Catholic and attended Mary Immaculate and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Schools. In later years she joined Bethany United Methodist Church and was a devoted and loved member. 

She attended high school at Key West High School, where she met her husband of 57 years, George Santana. They would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on June 22nd of this year.

Edna lived for her family and took a lot of pride in sharing as much time with them and creating as many memories as possible. She enjoyed cooking and baking, spending countless hours in the kitchen preparing meals with love. Edna appreciated the outdoors and found beauty in everything, every sunset, bird, and flower.

She was affectionately known as "Mum" by her family, especially her grandchildren and even some of their friends. She was the family's anchor, always offering a listening ear or a laugh to help ease any frustrations, tears, or challenges they faced. She made every holiday and aspects of everyday life special. 

She has been a faithful donor to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital since 1998 and over the years also volunteered her services at Westwood Elementary School and Ashe County Sharing Center.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents Clement Russell and Martha Fernandez Russell and sisters Theresa and Angela. She is survived by her husband George Santana of the home, their two children Tricia (George) Little of West Jefferson, Vincent Santana (Dan Towns) of Sydney, Australia, sister Vickie Pazo of Tampa, FL, grandchildren Bailey and Bryce Little of West Jefferson, brother-in-law Jerry Abreu of West Jefferson, NC, nieces and nephews Aaron Abreu of Charlotte, John "JJ" Eller of Key West, Tanya (James) Prosser of Norfolk, VA, Lauren Pazo of Tampa, FL, Brittany (George) Serrano of Brandon, FL, and Adrienne Abreu of Liverpool, UK, and her beloved dog Buddy Russell.

Funeral Services will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church on Friday, May 22nd at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Nikki Raye Rice presiding. There will be a reception to follow with light refreshments in the Bethany UMC Fellowship Hall. (Address: 495 NC-194, West Jefferson, NC 28694). Memorial contributions may be made to: Bethany United Methodist Church or to Edna’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to thank and express their gratitude to Medi Home Hospice and nurses Angela, Terry, Lisa, and Sherry for the love, compassion, and excellent care they showed Edna throughout her illness. They would also like to thank Dr. Melinda Wonsick, who was Edna's longtime physician and was with her throughout her courageous journey battling Pancreatic Cancer. The family also expresses gratitude to the Ashe Memorial Oncology staff that provided genuine care, attention, and support to Edna. 

Edna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to those in life and her legacy will live on forever in our hearts.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Santana family.

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