Edna Mae Ford-Davidson

Edna Mae Ford-Davidson, 77, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 5th, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. Born the youngest of eight children on September 4th, 1947, in Maryville, Edna grew up in a four-room house nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Life wasn't easy, but neither was she — a no-nonsense woman shaped by modest beginnings and a tenacious spirit. She married young and poured her strength into raising a family built on hard work, love, and faith. Edna was preceded in death by her first husband of 49 years, Lennis E. Ford, and six of her siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Kay Ford Gibson; son, Jason E. Ford; five grandchildren; Gabe Ford (Catelina), Anna Grace Ford, Samuel Ford (Corinne), Caleb Gibson, Cole Gibson, four great-grandchildren; second husband, Gary Davidson; her sisters, Barbara Titlow and Mary Higgins, and special care giver Katelyn Price. Later in life, Edna worked as a waitress, where her natural leadership earned her a reputation for running the floor with confidence and command. Her devotion to order — often with bleach in hand — became something of a legend. She was the kind of woman who could command a room, boss a shift, raise a family on grit and grace, and still find time to mop the floor — twice. They called her the Bleach Queen, they called her Sarge — but to us, she was the backbone and the heart of our family: a force of nature who held us together with tough love, sharp wit, and unwavering strength. Edna was a devout Christian throughout her life, spending decades as a member of Faith Baptist Church in Rockford and, more recently, joining New Hope Baptist Church in Maryville. Her faith was her compass, her comfort, and her constant guide. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Sunday, July 13, 2025 in the Smith Trinity Chapel. Memorial service will follow at 7:00 PM. Inurnment will be at 9:00 AM, Monday, July 14, 2025 at Grandview Cemetery. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com