Whittney Raylin Edwards

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Whittney Edwards, age 23, of Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on September 11, 2002, in El Dorado, Arkansas and passed from this life on November 26, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas, surrounded by friends and family.

Whitt was preceded in death by her adopted sisters, Kenzie Hess and Destiny Saffold; her uncle, Rudy Madrigal; her grandma, Juanita Edwards; her adopted grandma, Shirley Fears (ShiShi); and her kidney donor, Josh Bourland.

She is survived by her mama, Yolanda Edwards of the home; her forever love, Pooty Walker; brothers Rusty Edwards of Van Buren and Brent Edwards of Pocola, Oklahoma; Mama B, Bre Wagoner and husband Jason Wagoner of Van Buren; Tom and Sydney Hess (Lolli and Pop); adopted brother Hunter Hess; adopted sister Kaylee Griffith; her uncle, Ben Juarez and wife Sherry; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and many adopted mommas in her life.

Whitt’s earthly journey was undeniably marked by challenges. She faced trials that might have broken a lesser spirit, yet she met each one with an unyielding tenacity and a quiet, deep-seated faith that never wavered. She never allowed her condition to define her. Whitt was a radiant soul who chose joy every single day. Her laughter was infectious, her smile a comfort, and her presence a gift. She understood that true happiness is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ in the midst of it. She loved her family, her friends, and her community with a boundless heart.

She saw the best in everyone and poured her energy into nurturing those relationships; to be loved by Whitt was to be truly seen and felt. We take solace in knowing that Whitt is now completely whole, resting in the everlasting embrace of her Saviour. While we grieve the silence of her earthly voice, we rejoice that she has finished the race and received her heavenly reward.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, 4100 Grand Ave., Fort Smith, AR, 72904.

She fought the good fight until the end. She will always be our mighty little warrior!