Mary Rachel Edmonds Earnest

Mary Rachel Edmonds Earnest

Rachel Earnest, 89, of Dobson, North Carolina, and formerly of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, went peacefully to her Heavenly home on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Rachel was born to Walter Brady Edmonds and Novella Hamlin Edmonds. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was defined by her love for family, her faith, and the many people whose lives she touched.

She was a faithful member of Salem Fork Christian Church, where her faith was an important part of her life. Rachel also devoted 30 years of her life to the children of Dobson Elementary School, where she served as a teacher’s assistant. She loved the children and took great pride in the years she spent helping and encouraging them.

Rachel and her husband, Charles Edward Earnest, shared 62 wonderful years together. They loved to travel with their travel buddies, visiting 48 of the 50 United States. Some of her fondest memories were made during summers spent traveling with friends.

Rachel loved playing cards, especially Bridge. She loved gardening, cooking, baking, and in a way that always made her family smile; she even enjoyed picking the weeds! She found joy in the simple things of life and took pleasure in caring for her home, her garden, and the people she loved.

Above all, Rachel loved her family. She cherished family gatherings and the time she spent together, creating memories that will remain with her family forever. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved making people smile and laugh. Her warmth, kindness, laughter, and genuine love for others will be deeply missed.

Rachel was an active member in the community. She was a member of the Lion’s Club, Women’s Club, Christian Women’s Fellowship, and North Carolina Retired Employees, where she enjoyed fellowship and service to others.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Tolbert, along with grandchildren – Drew Earnest (Jess), Katie Hamm (Kevin), Ben Earnest, and Madison Tolbert, her great-grandchildren – Branson, Wesley, Ryker, Wrenlee, Grayson, and Charleigh, her sister-in-law – Kathryn Edmonds, many loved nieces and nephews, her God-children – Anna Hewitt, Alan Hewett (Renee), and Bryan Hewett (Missy), and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Earnest; son, Kenneth Earnest; sister, Vera Mears; brother, Wayne Edmonds; brother-in-law, Ray Mears; and sister-in-law, Nancy Edmonds; God-sons, Darrell Hewett and Johnny Hewett; God-daughter, Vee Thorndike.

Rachel leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, friendships, laughter, and love. She will be remembered not only for the many years she gave to her family, her church, and her community, but for the way she made people feel – loved, welcomed, and often smiling.

Her family will forever treasure the memories of her laughter, her cooking and baking, her beautiful garden, her travels, and especially the love she gave so freely to those around her. She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be Friday, August 21, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Moody-Davis Funeral Service in Dobson. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Salem Fork Christian Church with Brother Austin Caviness officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

The family would like to express a word of thanks to Lower Cape Fear Hospice and

the staff of Brightwater Senior Care for the love and support to Rachel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice (1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401), or to Dobson Elementary School Birthday Club (P.O. Box 248, Dobson, NC 27017-0248). Moody-Davis Funeral Service in Dobson is respectfully serving the Earnest family.