Obituary of Edith S. Huston

Edith S. Huston (nee Selfridge) 83 years, of Pitman, died Thursday June 9 in Underwood-Memorial Hospital. Pre-deceased by her husband Vernon B. Huston, sisters Elizabeth Carter, Katherine Shafer, and brother William J. Selfridge. She is survived by brother Dr. George (Ruth) Selfridge of Chesterfield, MO, nieces and nephews, Gail Shafer of Sewell, Judith (Kent) Jones of Millville, Pamela (William) Ruane of Randolph, Twp. Charles (Vicki) Shafer of Carmel, IN, Kimberly (Lee) Schaffer of O'Fallon, MO, Cheryl Beth (Jon) Townsley of Conroe, TX, Stanley (Ginny) Huston of Pitman, Bea (Bob) Sederland of Pitman, Bettyann and Trish Huston both of Pitman, and several great nieces and nephews. Known to all as Edie, she had a personal commitment to Glassboro State College and Rowan University for 46 years, where she worked for 5 presidents. She started her career in 1946 as a secretary for President Edgar Bunce and retired as the Executive Assistant to Dr. Herman James then President of Rowan University. Edie was a member of the Pitman United Methodist Church where she served for many years as chairperson of the Finance committee, Staff-Parish Committee, Board of Trustees, and served on many other committees. Edie was a former member of the board of trustees and vice president of the Gloucester Co. Association of Retarded Citizens. She co-chaired the bicentennial celebration for Glassboro State College and the Borough of Glassboro. A woman of many "firsts", Edie was the first woman foreman of the Gloucester County Grand Jury, the first woman president of the Gloucester County United Way and first woman to chair a major campaign division of the United Way and was chosen as the first Ombudsman at Glassboro State College. She also was chairperson of the Gloucester Co. Commission of Women. During her tenure at now Rowan University, Edie served on and chaired numerous committees. She chaired the honorary Degree Selection Committee, the first Autumn Nocturne, and the inauguration of President Herman D. James. Edie co-chaired commencement for many years, served as a faculty Senator-at-Large and was a member of the executive committee of the College Senate. Edie received numerous awards over the years for her volunteerism and service which includes Outstanding Employee of Glassboro State College, the President's Award from United Way and was selected the first recipient of the prestigious United Way's Volunteer Leadership Award. She was chosen as Gloucester Co. Citizen of the Year by the Holly Shores Girl Scout Council and has been honored by the Women's Studies Program for her work on behalf of women. In 1993, Edie received an Assembly Commendation by the Women of 205th Legislature for outstanding achievement, as well as her importance as a role model-thereby becoming a vital part of the history of New Jersey. She was also honored with a resolution from the full New Jersey General Assembly by the Honorable Chuck Haytaian, then speaker of the General Assembly. Her code to live by can best be described by a quote borrowed from Donald A. Adams who said, "to give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity." Friends may call from 6 to 9PM Tuesday and 10 to 10:45AM Wednesday in the Pitman United Methodist Church, 758 N. Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071. Funeral service 11AM. Interment Manahath Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made Pitman United Methodist Church Adventures in Faith or the Edith S. & Vernon B. Huston PUMC Scholarship Fund both at the above address. Arrangements by the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman. Memorials may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.