Ms. Edna Runyon

January 25, 1908 - April 6, 2020

Edna Runyon, affectionately known as Big Momma, transitioned from her earthly body to her heavenly resting place on April 6, 2020. At the time of her passing, Big Momma was thought to be the oldest person in Arkansas and one of the oldest people in America. Edna was born in Willisville, AR, on January 25, 1908 to the parentage of Alf and Alice Madison McKinney. Edna accepted Christ at an early age and united with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Willisville, Arkansas. Edna was united in marriage to Emer Runyon. To this union eight children were born. After moving to Magnolia, she united with Trinity C.M.E. where she was the mother of the church until her health began to fail. Edna was very active in her life. She worked as a domestic housekeeper for Larry Burrow for many years until her retirement. Edna enjoyed gardening, embroidering, quilting, and canning vegetables. Until her health failed, there was always a request at family gatherings for her famous homemade rolls. She was preceded in death by two daughters – Lafern and Stella; two sons – Hal and Cal; three brothers - Herbert McKinney, Hart McKinney, and Argie McKinney; two sisters - Mary McKinney Myles and Ludie McKinney Moss; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Those left to cherish her memory are: three daughters – Elsie Snell, Geneva Wyrick, and Alice McKeller; and one son - Matt Runyon; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and great-great-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Graveside Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 23rd Psalms Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., in Magnolia, Arkansas, under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home, LLC.