Jennifer Edie: For the Love of Family and the Lord

It was almost spring in 1988 when Michelle and Randy Oxendine finally got to meet their new daughter. They would name her Jennifer.

Missouri weather has a reputation for being less than predictable; where you start the day in winter gear, braving through freezing slush, but finish enjoying a warming breeze, with coats in the closet. Jennifer Oxendine’s birthday was like that.

Jennifer grew up as someone whose primary loves in life were family and God. Besides Mom and Dad, her family was sister, Krysten, and Grandma Campbell and Uncle Jimmy. Jennifer learned important qualities and traits that helped prepare her for the day she would become a mom herself: patience, unselfishness, and a determination to never give up on the people she loved.

When asked about Jennifer’s strengths, her husband, Colby, explained, “Loving and selflessness. She always puts the kids first and starts with teaching them about our Lord and Savior.”

Jennifer met Colby Edie through friends. He was convinced that she had no clue who he was at the time, but that would change. Colby recalled feeling love at first sight.

“I saw her beauty and her eyes. I still get lost in them. She was patient and thoughtful even when I made things difficult. She never gave up on me.”

The Edies welcomed their first child, a daughter they would name Addison, in December of 2009. Those early days were exciting but challenging. Thankfully Google had reasonable answers for new parents trying to figure things out.

After Addison came a son named Leyton. He was followed by another brother the family would name Hudson.

Today, Jennifer enjoys life as a mother to three. She spends her time caring for them as they grow and play sports, or traveling together to places like Branson. More than being their guiding light and giver of love, Jennifer also looks to fill their life with deep love for the Good Lord.

Reflecting about all the ways he would be lost without Jennifer, Colby said:

“I remember watching you walk down the aisle and thinking, ‘How did I convince her to love me?’ I will always love you until my last breath. You are as beautiful today as you were the first time I saw you. You’re always considerate with lots of patience to deal with me and kids. Very unselfish, and a deep love for God and family. I could not have picked a better partner to spend this life with.”