Lakeland, FL

We rejoice in knowing that Edith Pauline Caufield, 88, of Lakeland, FL, entered the gates of heaven on February 28, 2026, while residing at Bridgewalk on Harden facility and is now singing with the angels.

Born April 16, 1937, in Georgetown, SC, she was the daughter of Edith Moyd Baz and Ralph Abbas Baz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Caufield, her twin brother, Haliem A. Baz, who passed away 27 days after birth, her parents, Edith and Ralph Abbas Baz, brothers, Ralph Baz,Jr., Nezia A. Baz, Sharkey A. Baz, Franklin R. Baz, Jimel A. Baz, Eugene A. Baz (twin of Jimel), L.A. Baz, and Richard H. Baz.

Edith worked in the school system in both South Carolina and Florida serving special needs children. Her heart was drawn to special needs students as she nurtured them individually for success. She was also the owner of Eastern Gates Restaurant in Cayce, SC for a short time. However, her true calling was serving the Lord. To her family and friends, she was a prayer warrior. Those who knew her would not hesitate to call her to pray for any situation. Edith tried to live her life like Christ wanted her to. When dementia took Edith's earthly mind, her spiritual mind remained intact. She continued ministering to staff members at her facility, singing gospel songs, and quoting scripture to everyone around her. Edith loved her family more than life itself. In fact, they were her greatest joy. She delighted in attending family reunions, birthdays, and holidays. Edith has lived her entire life for this moment---To meet her Lord and savior.

Edith is survived by a daughter, Kathy McGahee (Steve) of Lakeland, FL; sons, Jerry Boatwright (Tina) of Leesville, SC and Richard Boatwright (Sandy) of W. Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Michael McGahee (Charlotte), Ashley McGahee, Spenser Boatwright (Olivia), Tyler Boatwright (Cassie), and McKenzie Boatwright; great grandchildren, Margaux Hall, Mallory Hall, Reid Boatwright, and Ryder Boatwright. In addition to her immediate family, Edith is survived by a sister, Raffia Smith (Ellison) of Murrells Inlet, SC; Douglas Baz of Murfreesboro, TN; and 21 nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the staff at Bridgewalk on Harden who cared for and loved mom.

A visitation will be from 1:00 - 2:00 PM Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the Maryville Chapel  of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home, followed by a service in the chapel at 2:00 PM. A Graveside burial will follow at 3:00 PM in Elmwood Cemetery.

Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home

Maryville Chapel

2200 S. Fraser St.

843-546-4184