“You either live to get old or you die young. You pick your choice.” -Edna M. Asare 

(Or a sassier version that Edna also loved to say: “You either live to get old or you die young. Pick your poison.” Her advice was always wise and often humorous.)

Retired SGM Edna M. Asare joined the ancestors on September 9, 2026, at her home in Killeen, TX. Although she has left physical form, her generous soul and fierce spirit are still strong and alive.

Edna was born on July 12, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Olivia Bentley and Lenard Stephen. She grew up in a blended family. Olivia and Lenard shared two daughters in which Edna was the youngest. She had five sisters and four brothers: Valerie Cox, Leonard Bentley, Ramon Jordan, Asuncion Walters, Thomas Jordan, Violette Jordana-Taylor, Denise Jordan, Lenard Stephen Jr. and Pamela Stephen.

Raised between South and North Philadelphia, Edna met her best friend of 66 years, Renee Wiley, during her childhood there. Although Edna decided to leave the school system in 11th grade, she later earned her GED before joining the United States Army in 1977. She believed in being a lifelong learner, so she earned multiple Associate's degrees and in 2018, she completed a bachelor’s degree in leadership.

After having an illustrious 26-year career, she retired in 2003 with the rank of Sergeant Major. She received numerous awards for her service, including the prestigious Legion of Merit Award. She enjoyed her time in the US Army as a leader and taking care of soldiers. Edna then went on to work in civil service at Fort Hood for 13 years and retired in 2016.

Edna touched many hearts and souls throughout her lifetime. Not only did she help friends and strangers in need, but she also assisted her family in more ways than one. She even stepped in to raise two of her eldest sister's children as her own, Marcellino Joseph Bentley and Reginia Margaritta Burgess.

Edna married three times throughout her life; she married Harvey D. W. Bradley, Michael K. Asare and then Harvey again. Her marital unions resulted in several children and stepchildren: daughters Nyarkoa O. Asare and Maeva A. Asare, Stepdaughter Venus Bradley and stepson Alexander K. Asare.

Edna was a wonderful woman, who was involved in multiple organizations and had many talents and hobbies. She had excellent sewing skills and would make clothes and dolls for her family. No matter the time of day or night, she would always answer the phone for her loved ones. She adored the many pets she cared for over the years, including fish, birds, cats, and dogs. She especially loved dancing and playing with her two standard poodles, Renaldo and Kinu-Joy, who will miss her very much.

Edna also loved traveling, experiencing different cultures and meeting new people while she was stationed in various places in the world. Her mischievous nature reflected in her love of making jokes, talking smack during her favorite card games and taking funny photos. As Edna journeyed through life, she beat colon cancer and breast cancer and became a two-time cancer survivor. Edna will always be remembered as a warrior and having a lighthearted spirit. (Who can forget Edna's playful wink?!)

Edna was preceded in death by her mother Olivia B. Jordan, her father Lenard Stephen, her sister Valerie Cox, her sister Denise Jordan, her sister Pamela Stephen, her brother Leonard Bentley, her husband Harvey D. W. Bradley and her nephew/son Marcellino Bentley.