Jarrell Lynne Edwards

Jarrell Lynne Edwards, 87, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, surrounded by family and love.

Born in Big Spring, Texas, on April 26, 1938, to Jack and Elfreda Edwards. His family moved to Olton in 1944, where his lifelong love of learning and adventure began to take shape. He attended Abilene Christian University, where he ran track and earned a degree in Bible and Greek, later completing a master’s degree in Spanish at Texas Tech University.

In 1960, he married the love of his life, Nancy Ellen Telchik. In 1962, their daughter Jana was born, bringing immense joy to them. He was a proud father, cherishing every moment of her childhood and celebrating her accomplishments throughout life. Five weeks after Jana was born, they moved to São Paulo, Brazil, to serve as missionaries from 1962 to 1965 before returning to Texas, where Jarrell taught Spanish and farmed cotton in Borden County. In 1992, the couple moved to Abilene, where Jarrell owned and operated several car washes until his retirement in 2007.

Known for his kindness, curiosity and those unmistakable blue eyes, Jarrell had a gift for collecting both stories and friendships wherever he went. A gifted linguist fluent in four languages, he loved studying the Bible, attending his grandchildren’s events, and traveling the world with Nancy, family and friends.

Jarrell and Nancy were gracious hosts, opening their home to everyone from ACU women’s basketball teammates to church friends to fellow travelers they met along their journeys. Guests always left with laughter, conversation and — of course — a taste of Jarrell’s world-famous chocolate chip cookies, perfected over a lifetime and renowned among all who were lucky enough to try them.

A longtime member and elder of Hillcrest Church of Christ, Jarrell lived a life marked by faith, generosity and the joy of connecting with people.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jana and Ed Emerson of Abilene; grandchildren Eric and Katie Emerson, and J’Lyn Emerson; two great grandchildren Parker and Avery Emerson; his sister, Welda Edwards; sister-in-law, Mary Edwards; and many dear friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy; his parents, Jack and Elfreda; his brother, Don Edwards; and his later wife, Deloris Mankin Edwards.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Rachael Valfre, whose loving care helped him age with dignity while keeping his mind and body active. They are also deeply thankful for the compassionate team at Chisolm Place, who cared for him with kindness and consistency, and to Hendrick Hospice, who made his final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, at Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Great Cities Missions Shoulder to Shoulder Endowment , a fund established by the children of the 1961 São Paulo Mission Team to honor their parents, by funding the continued work of spreading the gospel and planting churches in Brazil.