Mrs. Conchita Bessellieu Edens
(August 2, 1942 - October 15, 2023)
Viewing Location: Leevy's Funeral Home 1831 Taylor Street Columbia, South Carolina
Viewing Date & Time: Friday, October 20, 2023 / 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Funeral Location: Francis Burns United Methodist Church 5616 Farrow Road Columbia, South Carolina
Funeral Date & Time: Saturday, October 21, 2023 / 11:00 A.M.
Interment Location: Lincoln Cemetery 4900 Farrow Road Columbia, South Carolina
Mrs. Edens was my music teacher at Fairwald oh how I loved her spirit her love for music an teaching it was beyond any other, she turn anyone into a singer, music was her wonderful gift to all, RIP my dear, but u keep playing an teaching your music in heave🙏🏿❤️
She was a very caring person and a strong person when she confronted you without hesitation and very straight to the point. I give my condolences to the entire family and so sorry for your loss.
To one of favorite USC upward bound moms, thank you for the lessons taught to us and the memories that were shared. She encouraged me to enter into the upward bound pageant, and I told her “fat people don’t win pageants”, she responded “fat people are handsome too, get in the pageant”, she taught me the song “Ribbons in the sky” which lead to win in the pageant. Sleep well my friend, for there’s a ribbon in the sky for our love.
Mrs.Eden’s was a nice and Stern piano teacher. I would walk to her house to receive my piano lesson in the 1990’s. Mrs. Eden’s was also such a funny and happy soul.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the Edens family. May God surround you and comfort you at this difficult time.
Edward, Lorraine, Santhré and Pam
Murray
Mrs. Edens will long be remembered by those who were touched by her musical talent. May she rest in peace.
It was such a pleasure to have known you and your beautiful lovely daughter who was my high school course teacher Mrs.Lavette Malloy it was a pleasure to work with both you guys on the trips with you guys and my deepest sympathy and condolences goes out to the Edens family of Mrs Eden on the loss of her especially to my High School course teacher Mrs.Lavette Malloy
Sincere condolences to the Edens family for your loss. Mrs Edens was a very gifted music teacher that will always be remembered. Praying for your family
My deepest condolences to the family. A great person who will be missed.
The officers and members of the Greenview Reunion Foundation offer our condolences to Mr. Edens and family in the passing of your dear loved one, Mrs. Conchita Bessellieu Edens. We remember her as a teacher who was well respected by us all who attended Fairwold Middle School in those early years. May you be blessed with peaceful thoughts that she was one who helped to shape our lives in a positive way. Our prayers are with you that our God, who is faithful, strengthen and keep you you in His loving care.
I was moved by the passing of Mrs. Edens. In the 1980s, she was the pipe organist for the choir at Second Calvary Baptist Church on Bull Street and I was the pianist. We made beautiful music together. When I heard that you had passed, I was very surprised. Thank you for being a part of my musical journey over the years. May you rest in peace.
To the Edens family. I send my condolences and prayers for your strength.
I enjoyed the times that I had chorus under her leadership at CHS. She had a bright spirit about her and I enjoyed talking with her and getting to know her and her family.
I’m thanking God for placing Mrs Edens in my life from the 1971- 1975 (9th-12th) at Columbia High School..Mrs Edens was my mother while I was at school! The counseling and wisdom that she gave me during a dark time in my life!! Sending prayers and condolences to the Edens Family and Friends!!!! Asking God to give you all the strength and peace you’ll need during this time!!!!🕊RIH Mrs Edens 🕊💖🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Deepest condolences to the Eden family for the loss of Cousin Connie. May her life and legacy bring you comfort in the days and months ahead. She was loved by all and she will be missed by all. You are in our prayers.
The Family of the Late Madlyn Commander Johnson
We, the Lorick Family, extend our sincere prayers and deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Connie Bessellieu Edens. We pray that our gracious heavenly Father embrace you with His comforting love in the loss of your dear loved one. May you also find consolation in knowing Mrs. Edens was indeed a valued and positive asset to many of our youth over the years, including my own children. May the abiding peace of our Lord Jesus be with each of you, her dear family. God bless you,
Mother Elease Lorick & Family
My condolence goes out to the Edens family.
Mrs Edens was a very special music teacher she had a hold lot love for her students and music. she kept her students straight even when we wasn’t in her class. we all learned a great respect from her. When Mrs Edens gave you that look she means business but when that smile came upon her face you were doing right. She will be dearly miss .I will always have a special love for her in my heart May God keep his love harm around her family. God bless
Mrs Eden’s Your thoughtfulness, loving, caring and tough spirit will continually live on in all the students you’ve taught over the years. When I called you to help with a program for my daughter. You didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand to train a new generation of talent. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without your love. Forever grateful. You will be truly missed by everyone you’ve shared many happy moments with. My sincere condolences to the family. Be strong in your faith and lean on each other.
I was so sorry to learn of Connie’s passing.. my beloved late husband Jonathan’s first cousin. Uncle Freddie, her Dad, was best man in our wedding, and Connie and Mr. Eden’s home was where they got dressed on our glorious wedding day! I have always felt very blessed to become a part of the Bessellieu family… solid, God-fearing people of distinction; educators, preachers, church builders and active community leaders in the Pawleys Island-Georgetown communities. As a 9th grade student, I met the new music teacher, the then Ms. Bessellieu at Fairwold Middle School, not knowing our paths would years later blend into “family”.
Mrs. Connie Bessellieu Edens… An exemplary model of a very strong, outstanding family legacy. May the comforting peace of our loving heavenly Father surround each of you during this difficult time; may He bless you with beautiful memories of a life well lived. Blessings to each of you, to all of dear Connie’s family, during this time of bereavement. Prayerfully yours,
Bunny (Bernetha Lorick Moultrie)
Our prayers and love go out to our family – the family of Conchita B Edens! We will miss Cousin Connie!!!
Love, Cousins Raichelle Hall Glover and Family (Lewis, Austin, Ashley and family of Benjamin and Madame Lilease Hall)
Columbia High Chorus 9th-12th. Graduate Class 1986
Mrs. Edens was a mom to me from 9th -12th grade. I was in chorus all 4 yrs with her. She loved teaching and perfecting my voice until it led me to Honors Allstate Chorus. I was her asst. My Senior year at Columbia High. Mrs. Edens will be missed a Great deal. She was a very important part of my life.
Mrs. Edens was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. She was an extraordinary person who shared her talents with her students and our Chancel Choir. She brought out the best in everyone she taught. She coached and taught my daughter, and helped her to develop her skills as a singer. Mrs. Edens loved directing our church choir, and we loved her. She will always have a special place in our hearts. Heaven has gained another angel. I know she will be directing the heavenly choir. We love you!
This is to offer my sincere condolences. I sang on the chorus and we all loved her. Her husband taught me shop at Fairwold. Those were good times filled with good memories.
Rest in peace, Mrs. Edens.🌹
My condolences to the Edens family. Conchita B. was a force to be reckoned with at CHS. She demanded the best of her students and anyone who came in contact with her. Her talents are surely on display in the Heavenly Choir she is directing now.
Dear [Ms. Eden’s Family],
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Ms. Eden’s passing. It is evident that she was a woman of grace and integrity, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew her. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Ms. Eden’s presence will be greatly missed, but her legacy of kindness and strength will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared together and find solace in the love and support of family and friends.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, and if there is anything I can do to offer support or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. May Ms. Eden rest in eternal peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Thanks!!
Ms Eden’s
Vincent Johnson
Member of the Columbia High School Musical Group
Quad-Ro-Funk
I’m very sad to learn of Mrs.Edens passing. My mom told me of the news this evening. Mrs. Edens was my reacher at Columbia High School in my senior year (1975) —the last year in the downtown location. She was a fiery influence on me—I ended up pursuing degrees in choral conducting, and I often spoke of the influence that Mrs. Edens had on my decision. She was passionate and supportive-a quality all students need in their mentors. Rest in peace for your job well done. —Dr. Ralph Hughes
Love and peace for a great musician barring none
Cousin Lee and family, I was very sorry to hear of the loss of your wife and mother. I pray that the peace of God and your memories of her keep you and help you during this time. It is an honor to have known her.
Robert E. Boyd
What can I say a mentor ,beautiful spirit ,loving teacher but more of a mother. During the time when most black males would act out she kept her group of “GUYS” straight .She made me see that I could be anything I want to be in life and push me to strive to be excellent at whatever I did. The love she showed to her students was I comparable and sometimes even more than the love you got at home. While in her class I learned that I could do whatever I wanted to do in life ,she kept me on the straight and narrow and was one of the main reasons I went into the military. I love you MRS. Edens ,job well done and may God bless your family in this time of sorrow. You touched so many lives and any life that you touched I know was blessed! Thank you for being not only my teacher a best friend and a mother to me and all that you had in your chrous class. You put up with a lot of our shenanigans but you never made us feel little, you always made us feel like bright shining stars that could sore and reach your goal no matter what !Thank you so much. You will be truly missed!
My prayers and condolences go out to the Edens family. Mrs. Edens was first and foremost a woman of grace. Her presence filled every room she entered, and her love for her students and Columbia High School was sincere and palpable. When I reminisce on my time at CHS, she is one of the first people that comes to mind. It fills me with pride to know that I was one of her chorus students. May we all be comforted in knowing that she is collecting her heavenly reward and resting in God’s eternal presence.
RIP, Mrs Edens was my music teacher at Fairwald Middle School, an she was the best music teacher ever, will be miss, praying for the family ❤️🙏🏿
Heartfelt condolences are extended to Mr. Edens and the entire family at the difficult time. Mrs. Edens ranks among the most dedicated, demanding and caring educators in our community. She made our years at Fairwold Junior High School extra special and helped us up appreciate music in all its forms. Her impact will continue to live on in the lives of those of us who were fortunate to have her as a teacher and friend.
Condolences to the family. A unique and valuable presence during my time at CHS. Her influence has proven beneficial to me as a professional artist and human being.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Conchita Edens. She leaves with all who knew her a legacy of love, kindness and excellence. May God wrap His arms around you and give you peace during this most difficult time.
Cousin Lee and Family I am so saddened for your loss. May God grant you His Peace, Comfort, and Strength to endure during your time of bereavement.
Cousins Levetta Gainey Smith and Cousin Marian Anderson Smith of Fayetteville NC.
My deepest condolences to the family !! Such a beautiful soul taught me the music and the singing for four years at Columbia high school class of 82 🙏🏾🙏🏾rest in peace my sweet angel 😇
There are not enough words to describe the fabulous, talented, amazing Mrs. Conchita B. Edens. I learned so much about music and life from her! She was not just a teacher but directed my sister Donna and my wedding. She was an incredible teacher who demanded excellence. She inspired me to become a music teacher, and I was honored to be chosen as my school teacher of the year the year she was chosen as our Richland District One Teacher of the Year. She was surrounded on that night by other teachers who had all been touched and inspired to teach by her. What an amazing legacy! She will never be forgotten!! Rest in peace sweet musical angel!
The legend herself. She taught me confidence in my talents and I am forever thankful. I wasn’t even in chorus, but she had such an impact on the music department as a whole. We were one big family. one band, one sound.
May she rest eternally in healing and bliss.
The Edens family and friends and Columbia high family have my condolences and my prayers for comfort and strength.
Mama made me mush my M&Ms ❤️
Class of 2001
What a beautiful, kind spirit. I have great memories of her teaching us music in the CHS chorus room and her preparing us for honors chorus. I will forever cherish the memories. May God keep you and his peace be in you during this time of bereavement. God Bless
A precious jewel and angel has gone to be with our Lord. Mrs. Edens was like a big sister to me, who took great care of me during my illness. Her memory will be cherished and live in my heart forever. You are missed, but I know God has one of the best in His care. Rest sweet sister, rest in paradise! My sincere condolences to family and friends. Prayers are being lifted during your time of sorrow—God’s blessings, peace, and comfort.
Mrs. Edens has definitely left her mark here on earth. The students’ lives that she touched, I’m sure are numerous. I am honored to have been one of those students. Rest in paradise, Mrs. Edens. My condolences and prayers to the entire Edens family.
Oh how my heart breaks. Mrs. Edens was right with me for all 4 years. Not just one of my favorite mentors at CHS, one of my favorite people. I will always have her words, her wisdom, and our memories. Fly high and sing…conduct…the angels. 😘🥰😇
Grace and Peace Family in our Lord Jesus Christ. May God’s Grace and Peace guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. I am praying for you and your family as you celebrate Mrs. Conchita’s Life and Grieve Her death. My heart aches for you but please know we send our love and care to you and your family 💞 🕊 🛐
Because of Mrs. Eden’s, I pursued a career in music, first as a performer, then an educator, and now as the Supervisor of Music and Theater Arts for the Somerville Public Schools, in Massachusetts. Thanks for your inspiration, dedication and love. You will always live in every note I play and every song I sing. I send my condolences to the Eden’s family.
My condolences to the Edens Family. She was a great lady. Her concern and love for the students at Columbia High School never stopped in her music room. It extended throughout the walls of the school. She will be missed!
Words are not enough to describe Mrs. Conchita B. Edens. She was a consummate professional who inspired her students to pursue excellence musically and beyond. You WANTED to do your best under her leadership. She led by example. You knew that she truly cared about you if you were blessed to know her. Mrs. Edens is one of the best to ever do it, and I for one am honored that she played a part in my life at CHS. Rest in Power, Mrs. Edens. Your legacy lives on through those you’ve touched.
Truly one of the finest ladies I ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. My deepest condolences to her family and all who loved her.
My sincere condolences to the family of Mrs Conchita Edens. I have been in attendance of many performances in which Mrs Edens led wonderfully.
May God’s grace and mercy give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Mrs Edens was one of those teacher’s that expected the best from all her student’s. She made you set your bar high and wouldn’t settle for less. My prayers go to the family
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Mrs.Edens. My prayers are with her family.
Mrs Eden’s was my piano teacher for over 10 years. I took lessons at her house and had the pleasure of meeting her family.
She has been so instrumental in my life.
She also directed my wedding.
Her character spoke for her”May the work I’ve done speak for me”
My deepest condolences.
Artena Starks
I’m so sorry to hear of Mrs. Eden’s passing. I loved her dearly! She was my chorus teacher at CHS from 1976-1980. She helped me with so many things in my life, not just music. I have so many wonderful memories of chorus and Mrs Edens.
Teresa Johnson Carter Class of 1980
My condolences to the family. A wonderful lady that was a pillar of the community. She will be dearly missed.
Sending condolences to the family
It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Mrs. Edens at Columbia High School. She pursued excellence and ensured that students and staff gave their very best and nothing less. I pray that all who love Mrs. Edens finds comfort in precious memories. Rest on in God’s loving arms.
There was is a choir singing beautifully in heaven and being conducted by Mrs. Edens as she plays the piano.
Her time here with us is over but she left a strong legacy for so many. Great teacher, mentor and friend to many. Loved, appreciated and highly respected. As a former student I say, Thank you Mrs Conchita B. Edens.
May God be with her family and friends during this time.
My condolences to the family and all who knew Mrs. Edens. She was a professional with high standards and expected the best of all her students. She pushed them all to Excellence. She will be missed especially by those she impacted.
She was the best mentor!
Mrs. Edens will be greatly missed!
My condolences to her beautiful family!
My deepest condolences to the entire Eden’s family. Mrs.Eden’s was a sweet sweet spirit. Her love and passion for her craft was evident in the way that she taught her class. She will never be forgotten. Love you much Mrs. Edens
My heartfelt condolences and prayers are extended to the Edens family. I will always cherish Mrs. Edens’ legacy and mentorship. I have fond memories of her as one of my former teachers and later working with her in various capacities as educators. May God provide His comfort and blessings to the family and all the many lives she touched.
Condolences to the family of Ms. Edens. She was an exceptional music teacher and director. I am certain the choir in heaven is now even more blessed by the addition of Ms. Eden to the angelic chorus of our Lord and Savior. Wishing her a peaceful eternal rest, and blessings of comfort to her family and friends.
Great music teacher afr faurwold jfr hogh
Rest in eternal power to the amazing Ms. Conchita B. Edens! The memories I have as a former student will forever live in my heart. Thank you for believing in your students and your support. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Mrs. Edens was a very professional teacher who expected the best from all of her students. Such a powerful role model.
My condolences and prayers are with the family. 🙏🏾💕🙏🏾
My most heartfelt condolences to the family and millions of friends of our beloved Columbia High Royalty Mrs. Edens. From the day I meet you I knew how much you cared for me and all the students at CHS. I am so sadden to hear of your passing but I know God loved you best. We will see you again .
Love ❤️
Monique Richards Washington
Forever to thee! Mrs. Conchita Eden’s a teacher who was full of elegance and grace. It is with a heart felt sympathy that I give my condolences to your family. I shocked to hear of your passing. Not only did she teach me but she also taught my mom, she was one of the Best that walked the floors of “the high” you will be missed.
My sincere Condolences to the family. Mrs. Edens was my Chorus teacher, my brothers, and my daughter. She was such a pleasure to be around. I always loved singing and she made me love it even more! She always checked each students attire before we performed . I know she is helping to direct the Heavenly Choir. I will always remember her.
My condolences go out to the family. Conchita was an awesome person and very talented. Rest in peace.
A mother, disciplinarian, mentor, woman of elegance, and the best chorus teacher ever that graced Columbia High School. Although I am deeply saddened by your loss I am grateful for everything you were to me. The silence you gave and the stern look was all it took and immediately I got it together. You cared about every student whether they were in your class or not, and was a perfectionist when it came to music. My deepest condolences to the Edens family and friends. May God give you all comfort during this difficult time, and give you strength in the days and years ahead. Your work here is done and surely has spoken for you. Job well done thy faithful servant! Job well done! You will truly be missed. Forever to thee Mrs. Conchita B. Edens❤️🩹
Mrs. Edens was one of the most brilliant musicians and educators I’ve ever known. She was my Fairwold Jr. High, now W.G. Sanders Middle School Chorus Director. My dad, Band Director, James Pope greatly admired her. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family. We love you Mrs. Edens.
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Eden passing! I am sending my deepest sympathy to the family, and I will forever remember her. She was a precious jewel to all who she came in contact with. My daughter is a former student of Mrs. Eden; she did such an awesome job teaching chorus at Columbia High School. Mrs. Eden had her students prepared to shine and share their voices for the pageants, social teas, choir competitions, and more! When your children left Mrs. Eden class, they were ready to enter the world with knowledge, courage, and experience. I am at a loss for words; I can not wrap my brain around not having “Mrs. Conchita B!” as she would affectionally say. Lastly, I would be remised if I did not mention that our sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated has lost a sweet spirited sister, and she will be forever missed.
My condolences to her family. My husband and I had the honor to sing on Columbia High School Choir under her direction. She demand greatness when singing and each parts of the choir had to sing with greatness. She was amazing instructor. We still sing some of the songs she taught. Our favor song was ” December Child”.
Friend, teacher extraordinaire, Director Conchita B. Edens was extremely precious and dear to the Stover Family. She was one who came into our lives and have left lasting impressions. Her legacy is sealed on Earth and blessed through all of the lives she touched.
I pray that her family trusts that their strength and power exist in their faith.
Because of Christ and my indelible love,
Dr. Mary O. Stover,
Columbia High Colleague
To a beautiful woman that was extremely pivotal in my life. She helped me see myself in a different light other than sports. She was tough and caring, real but compassionate with always your best interest at heart. From first meeting you in Upward Bound to last seeing you at CHS before you retired, you have always had a passion for helping others realize and see their potential. I am truly saddened but also blessed to have had you as Mother figure in my life. My deepest condolences to the Edens Family and May God comfort you all during this most difficult time. JOB WELL DONE Mrs. Conchita B. Edens!!!
I was in Mrs. Edens Chorus for 4 years (88-91). Every year she would pack up her van and take a big contingency of students to Honors All State. She usually had among the most students nominated to All State Honors than even the bigger schools. She impacted so many students in a positive light. She will be missed.
Mrs. Edens was a great chorus teacher and mentor. Columbia High wouldn’t have been the school it was without her. Rest In Peace Beautiful Lady. Our deepest condolences to the Edens Family.
Mrs. Edens was not my chorus teacher but she was my teacher of life! She made every student she came in contact with feel like her baby! She is one of the reasons I chose Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated! May you rest in peace Mrs. Conchita B. Edens!!!!
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
My deepest condolences 💐 goes out to the Edens Family during this most difficult time of bereavement. I have many fond memories of Mrs. Edens during my years at Columbia High while on the chorus, she was an excellent music teacher who cared for her students and left a lasting impression, may she rest in eternal peace. Continued prayers for the family for strength, comfort and understanding 🙏🏾. C/O 1998.
My deepest condolences and prayers for Mrs. Edens family and friends. She was a jewel. I leaned so much from her and she definitely didn’t play. She not only was my chorus teacher for 4 years but I took private lessons from her. You will be missed Mrs. Edens. Rest in Peace. ❤️❤️❤️
Not only was Mrs. Eden’s my chorus teacher in high school, she was also my piano teacher for six years. She treated my like I was one of her own (including the fussing)! So many of my fondest and funniest memories come from the chorus rum at Columbia High School. Sending prayers of comfort to the family. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Mrs. Edens was a true gem. I remember her vividly taking a general interest in the students beyond teaching. She really stood out as an education and it showed she cared. My deepest condolences and sympathies to the family. Rest in Heaven.
Wishing you all peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Mrs. Eden was one of those special teachers at CHS that truly cared for her students. Fond memories of being in the chorus under her leadership.
My deepest Condolences to the Edens family. Conchita was a beautiful person inside and out. I will always remember her kindness, generosity, and caring nature. She will be truly missed and will forever be in hearts.
From the Miss Columbia High school pageants to being my wedding coordinator, she was a force to be reckoned with. Mrs Edens will forever be a legend! Rest in Heaven. My condolences to her family.
My sincerest condolences to the Edens Family. May she rest in eternal peace.
The memories from being a student at USC’ Upward Bound program and the excellence that Mrs. Edens demanded from us. She was an example that showed the students how to carry ourselves as we forged forward into our college years. Oh so many great memories!
So many wonderful memories of Conchita from teaching with her at Columbia High. She was more than my coworker, she was my friend. Conchita was a wonderful teacher and role model for her students. She not only taught them music, but also life lessons, discipline, and the joy of a job well done in performing. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Mrs. Edens was a jewel and one of the best teachers to grace the halls of Columbia High. She was one of the best choral directors out there. She taught us music, disciplined us when needed and most importantly showed us unconditional love.
Sending heart felt condolences to you all. Heaven has definitely gained an angel.
Mrs. Eden. A good solider has gone home. I remember. I her first day of teaching Fairwold Junior High School now W.G. Sanders, I remember her wedding. It was a few years we spoke at the grocery store we remember the good old days. Sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace.
Mrs. Edens was the glue that held the Columbia High students together. She was a teacher, disciplinarian, mentor and a great ambassador for helping students to achieve their goals. May she rest peacefully in God’s Care.
Tyrone Suber
I have fond memories of this remarkable woman! While attending Upward Bound at USC in the late 80s, Ms. Edens was our chorus director! She was a splendid combination of charisma, class, and professionalism! The world is a better place because of YOU! 🌎 Prayers for her family & friends as reflections of her legacy continue!
Mrs. Edens was the greatest!! I am so glad that she touched my life in a very profound way. Not only was she my teacher but she was like a mother to me and I always enjoyed going to her house to visit. KYRIE ELEISON!!! To the family, she will be greatly missed.
Most sincere condolences to the family.
May God truly comfort you all in this most difficult time.
Just got the news about Mrs. Edens passing and my heart goes out to the entire family, so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Edens was an excellent music teacher and mentor to so many lives she touched. Columbia High School was a better place for students simply because she cared and showed love to her students.