We are saddened to report the death of William Condley (age 77), pastor of GCI’s congregation in Russellville, Arkansas. His wife Ednita told us that William’s memorial service was held on July 8. About 350 family and friends attended.
When William went into the hospital to get his heart condition repaired, it was not expected that the complications from the surgery would lead to his eventual death. Ednita notes that it was a very difficult several weeks watching William struggle. In the end, with family by his bedside, his heart stopped and he died peacefully.
William had battled prostate cancer in the past and Ednita fought breast cancer just a year ago. Ednita’s four sisters have also died (one just last December). It’s been a very difficult season for her, but she notes that she has taken comfort from the prayers of friends and the Spirit of God at work in her life. Ednita also feels blessed to have her three sons, their spouses, and many grown grandchildren living nearby. Though she will miss William very much, she tells us that “I’ll be all right.”
Twenty years ago, Ednita (a teacher by training and trade) was instrumental in opening a new library in her community. Even with her and William’s illnesses over the past few years, she has continued to work there part time. She plans to resume regular part-time work there soon because, as Ednita says, “I love being around people.”
Cards may be sent to Ednita and her family at:
Ednita Condley
153 S. Main Street
Atkins, AR 72823-8235
Dear Ednita,
Thank you for being an example of courage to all of us. We all look forward to the time when the tears of sorrow will be wiped and replaced by tears of eternal joy.
God is with you!
In Christ,
Santiago and Elke
God Bless.
You are, Ednita, a courageous trooper in the face of various recent sufferings and losses, culminating in the loss of your companion William. Glad you will continue the work at the Library to help you go through a healthy grief process, and that there is lots of family close by. Most of all, we are thankful that “He is our peace.”
Love In Him JR & HBR