Edna A. Dildine

Edna A. (Casteel) Dildine, 93, long time resident of Wilbur, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, March 3, 2023, while in the care of Cherished Memories in Plainfield. She was born in Athens, Alabama on August 1, 1929, to the late William Kyle and Lela Myrtle (Wooldridge) Casteel. The daughter of a farmer, Edna was one of nine children raised in Alabama where she was instilled with the value of hard work and perseverance at a young age. On January 27, 1949, she married Lawrence Dildine. With a yearning for a better life, the family made the northern journey settling in Brooklyn first, later moving to their forever home in Wilbur. A passionate and protective matriarch, Edna stayed home to raise her children and was actively involved in their everyday lives, serving as room mom for each of her four children. With a knack for southern style cooking, she regularly whipped up scrumptious meals, and Sunday dinners were a must. Their home in Brooklyn was the place all the neighborhood kids flocked to, playing in the big backyard. Former owner of the Wilbur Corner Store, Edna was also an active member of the Martinsville Church of Christ. An avid reader, she was frequently found turning the pages of any western novel she could get her hands on, along with reading the Bible daily. She treasured spending her free time in the great outdoors, tending to her spacious garden or push mowing the acre and a half yard, which she did all the way until she turned 90! Dining at her favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel, it was guaranteed she would pick up her new favorite, comfy sweatshirt from the gift shop. With a keen sense of humor, Edna was famous for her one liners, frequently cracking herself up while bringing big belly laughs from those around her. She deeply loved her family unconditionally and her life revolved solely around them. While her body may have aged, her soul remained youthful throughout her life. Leaving a legacy of love and light, she will be forever missed by all who were blessed to know her. Along with her parents, Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Junior Dildine; beloved son, Richard Dildine; and siblings, Melvin Casteel, Polly Dye, Mary Blankenship, and Effie Mae Casteel. She leaves behind her daughters, Patsy Gray (David) of Tennessee, Donna Campbell (Phil) of Monrovia, and Teena Peters (Brendan) of Martinsville; daughter-in-law, Becky Dildine of Plainfield; siblings, Buddy Casteel (Mattie) of Tennessee, Wyvona Black, Johnny Casteel, and Jimmy Casteel, all of Alabama; grandchildren, Rick Dildine, Angel Jones, both of Martinsville, Jessica Gibson (Jason) of Eminence, Jennifer Gibson (Shane) of Mississippi, Kyle Dildine (Victoria) of Whiteland, Rachael Byrd (Donald) of Mooresville, Hope Dildine of Indianapolis, Sam Peters of Monrovia, and Olivia Peters of Martinsville; along with 5 great grandchildren. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, from 11am to 1pm at the funeral home, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning promptly at 1pm. Pastor Mark Pingleton will officiate, and burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Edna’s memory, please visit her tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Edna A. Dildine

August 1, 1929 - March 3, 2023