SPRINGFIELD – Abigail Elise Edwards, 24, was taken home by God on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Abbey was taken far too early for our tastes, but we have peace in knowing she is with the Lord.

Abbey was a vivacious young woman who lived life to the fullest. Her smile and confidence shined through every room. Abbey knew no strangers. She loved everyone fiercely, and that love shown through the toughest of times. Abbey was a wonderful daughter, little sister, and big sister. She always let everyone know how she felt, and was the first to offer love when needed.

Abbey loved working at the Springfield Police Department, and was soon to begin a new position there. She also loved working with children. She taught at Silver Leaf Academy prior to Springfield Police Department, and she loved her young students with all her heart. Even after leaving Silver Leaf, Abbey continued to babysit "her kids". She created so many wonderful relationships with those families.

Abbey did not attend college after high school, but her love of the police department helped her decide to register herself for classes in the fall of 2023. Abbey enjoyed her courses at LLCC, and she maintained a 4.0 GPA while working two jobs and living her life the way Abbey did.

Abbey is survived by her Momma, Elizabeth Edwards; her Daddy, Don Edwards, Jr.; her big brother, Alex Edwards; her little sister, Allie Edwards; Grandma Brown (Martha); Grandma and Grandpa Edwards (Polly and Don, Sr.), her two cats, Coraline and Beans and all those who loved her.

We will miss Abbey for the rest of our lives. We'll never understand why God took her so early, but we know he had a plan for her in Heaven. While we are broken at her loss, we feel so loved by all of our family and friends who have reached out. We truly didn't realize the vast scope of the lives our "Baby Girl" reached. We are proud beyond measure.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2024, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League.