BIOGRAPHY

Edna Runyon was born in Willisville, Arkansas, USA, on 25 January 1908, to parents Alf McKinney and Alice Madison. She had three brothers: Herbert, Hart, and Argie; and two sisters: Mary Myles and Ludie Moss. She became a Christian at an early age and joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Willisville. Edna later married Emer Runyon, and together they had eight children. After moving to Magnolia, she became a member of Trinity C.M.E., where she served as the Mother of the Church until her health began to decline.

Edna led an active life, working as a domestic housekeeper for many years until her retirement. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, embroidering, quilting, and canning vegetables.

According to her family, she always credited her longevity to God. They also noted that Runyon was a hardworking woman who remained employed well into her 90s—not out of necessity, but because she genuinely wanted to.

Edna Runyon passed away in Magnolia, Arkansas, on 6 April 2020, at the age of 112 years, 72 days. She was survived by three of her daughters (Elsie Snell, Geneva Wyrick, and Alice McKeller), and one son (Matt Runyon).

RECOGNITION

Runyon’s age was validated by the GRG on 27 February 2020, and later recognized by LongeviQuest.

At the time of her passing, she was the oldest (known) living person in the U.S. state of Arkansas.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Columbia County’s oldest living resident celebrates 111th birthday” – Magnolia Banner News, 29 January 2019

* Obituary for Ms. Edna Runyon – R.L. Reed Funeral Home

GALLERY