A greatly loved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend fell asleep in Christ on the 24th of May 2024 at her home in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Edith Sollberger was 73. Born in Saarbrücken, Germany, Edith grew up and completed her education there. Her college major focused on accounting, and she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree before traveling to the United States in 1974.
Edith Anna Thul was born the fifth of December 1950 to Jacob and Margot Thul and grew up as one of four siblings. Family meant a great deal to Edith. Ten years after coming to the U.S.A. she married the love of her life, Jacques Sollberger, in 1984. This coming August 17th would have been their 40th anniversary.
Edith was a fascinating mix of creativity and meticulous orderliness, punctuated by occasional spasms of chaos. But any disarray was quickly and promptly put right. Her excellent business sense was matched by an exquisite sense of humor, and her great spirit of generosity spilled over into all aspects of her everyday living. She enjoyed her work in retail sales and managing at Sollberger Watches, Clocks, and Jewelry in Ridgeland. Traveling and attending jewelry shows in connection with the job were met with tremendous responsibility yet welcomed as a hobby. Edith gave generously of her time and talents, serving as treasurer and accountant at College Drive Seventh-Day Adventist Church right up until the end. It was her joy to utilize her unique skills for balancing figures, that the work for the growth of God’s kingdom could carry forward.
Edith died peacefully with the bright hope of seeing her loved ones again upon the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In addition to her beloved husband, Jacques, she leaves behind her dear son, Zercon (Shanna) Smith, sisters Elke (Volker) Becker and Stephanie (Andreas) Baus, and a brother Horst (Martina) Thul, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her loving parents and her cherished granddaughter, Isabella Newman, who died in 2015 after a brief illness.
Edith was a passionate gardener, spending many daytime hours in the yard, planting and tending a garden filled with a wide variety of green and colorfully blooming treasures. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing delicious, picture-worthy food for family and friends. Edith was also a voracious reader. Her home with large windows was filled with sunshine, lots of activity, and a breathtaking view of her flowery garden, as well as a full measure of joyful noise provided by the three family dogs. The tiniest of the three, Bellabelle, fancied herself as both boss and protector of Edith.
The cause of Edith’s death was a lung condition called I.P.F. (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis). Her strong faith and healthy habits supported her well, extending her life beyond the expected length of time after receiving the diagnosis.
Eight words for Edith: Meticulous. Hopeful. Helpful. Gracious. Generous. Confident in Jesus.
A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD
(EIN FESTE BURG IST UNSER GOTT)
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.
Our Helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same;
and He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure.
One little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also.
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still.
His kingdom is forever!