TRIBUTES have been paid to the oldest woman in Sussex.

Elizabeth “Bet” Mary Edwards lived through two world wars, 26 British Prime Ministers and 20 American Presidents in her lifetime.

Her son remembers her as a “fiercely independent” woman who was incredibly dedicated to her family.

He said: “She took things in her stride, and always had a tale to tell.”

Mrs Edwards died peacefully at her nursing home on November 26.

At the time of her death, Bet was thought to be the oldest person in Sussex and the 20th oldest in the country, at 109 years and 240 days.

She attributed her long life to always laughing, having a sense of humour and not taking life too seriously.

Born on March 31, 1908, at Chuck Hatch, Hartfield, she attended Ashdown Park Memorial School in Wych Cross, which closed in 1931 to become a convent and is now Ashdown Park Hotel.

According to her son, she often recalled memories of St Richard de Wych Church which was built in nearby woods by a local landowner – but this was badly vandalised and was demolished in the 1970s.

He said: “She would reminisce about its lovely peal of bells. The bell ringer, a Mr Gurr, was stone deaf and had to be told when to stop ringing.

“She would tell with glee how people would find it hilarious when he was still ringing away after the service had started.”

Through her childhood, Mrs Edwards also frequently visited an oak tree in Ashdown Forest used as a gathering place for outdoor meetings for hymns and prayers.

Called The Holy Oak, the tree is still standing today and once a year hosts a well-attended service led by the vicar of Hartfield.

For Bet’s 100th birthday, the service incorporated her birthday party to recognise her long standing association with the area.

As well as being a keen gardener, the centenarian had some unexpected interests.

Mr Edwards said: “Surprisingly she was an avid follower of Formula One racing but found it somewhat boring if there weren’t any crashes – especially at the beginning of the race.”

Bet lived most of her life in Forest Row but in later life spent time in Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead hospitals before eventually moving to Littlefair Care Home in East Grinstead, where she lived for over ten years.

She is survived by her two children, Michael and Ann, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her husband Horace, who she married in 1934, died after an accident in 1945.