Barbara Bray Edwards: What happened to Andy Griffith's first wife?

It is now more than four decades since the unfortunate passing of Andy Griffith’s first wife, Barbara Bray Edwards. Despite their separation, people still remember her as the wife of the popular performer Andy Griffith (who died on July 3, 2012). So, what is Barbara's story?

Barbara and Andy Griffith, who are both no more, were famous personalities of their time. Andy's legacy is indisputable. However, his first wife passed away years before Andy's death, leaving an entire generation to wonder about her.

Even though she died 42 years ago, people still wonder about her story. So, what happened to Barbara Griffith?

Barbara Bray Edwards profile summary

• Name: Barbara Bray Edwards
• Date of birth: August 17, 1926
• Place of birth: Wilson, Wilson County, North Carolina, United States
• Died on: July 23, 1980, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA
• Age at time of death: 53 years old
• Place of burial: Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles County, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: White
• Parents: James Spurgeon Edwards and Dixie Vance (Lamm) Edwards
• Spouse: Andy Griffith (married in 1949 and divorced in 1972), Michael St. Clair (married in 1975)
• Children: Andy Samuel Griffith, Jr. (born in 1957 and better known as Sam Griffith) and a daughter, Dixie Nann Griffith

Who is Barbara Bray Edwards?

Among Andy Griffith’s wives, Barbara Edwards is the most popular. She was born on August 17, 1926, in Wilson, Wilson County, North Carolina, United States. She is the daughter of James Spurgeon Edwards and Dixie Vance (Lamm) Edwards.

Unfortunately, not much is known about Barbara Edwards's formative years aside from the identity of her parents.

Barbara and Andy Griffith's relationship

Barbara became popular for being the first wife of the famous entertainer. How did they meet, and when did they marry?

Griffith and Barbara Edwards met in college. Andy was working his way to a bachelor of music degree, while Barbara Edwards was a soprano and fellow Chapel Hill classmate. He graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in music in 1949 and married Barbara. Close family members and friends only attended the wedding ceremony.

The couple settled in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where Andy Griffith taught music in high school. Barbara and Andy enjoyed their early years together by going on trips. They even journeyed to New York City to figure out if they could start a career in the music industry. However, after singing in different auditions, Andy was advised not to quit his day job.

Andy and Barbara did quite a lot together in the early years of their marriage as they tried to find a footing in the entertainment industry. They started touring community centres around the state, which gave Andy a significant breakthrough in his career.

Barbara even appeared on The Andy Griffith Show as Sharon, where she spoke just one line in her only television credit.

Unfortunately, Barbara and Andy separated in 1972, after 23 years of marriage. Barbara Bray Edwards then got married to Michael St. Clair in 1975. Griffith also married his second wife, Solica Cassuto.

Barbara Edwards and Andy Griffith’s children

Andy and Barbara found out that they couldn't have children during their marriage. Therefore, they agreed to adopt and took home two infants a year apart. These children are Dixie Griffith and the late Andy Samuel Griffith Jr.

Andy grew up to become a real estate developer. Unfortunately, he died on January 17, 1996, from liver cirrhosis and other health complications. Andy had developed these health problems after years of alcohol abuse.

On the other hand, Dixie was born and raised in an orphanage before being adopted by Andy and Barbara Edwards. Even though Dixie was the daughter of a famous personality, she decided to lead a private life, away from the media, keeping a low profile.

Quick facts about Barbara Bray Edwards

Barbara Bray Edwards is famous for being the first wife of the veteran late entertainer Andy Griffith. She died on July 23, 1980, at 53 years old. Despite her passing and her husband’s, people still closely associate her with the legend.

Are you searching for more information about Colleen Wolfe? Tuko.co.ke featured an informative article about the female sports journalist that has created an excellent reputation in the media industry.

Colleen works for the NFL Network and has established herself as one of the most outspoken female journalists in the sports niche. So, how much do you know about her?

Source: TUKO.co.ke

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tcHKqGWcp16gsnCywJyrrGWcnrOmtMCcoqxnk5q5pq7RoquyZZKevKi%2BwKmfop2jZIF2fo9uaWaakaevor7AZpmrmalisqXDwKubrGWnna61eceap6mdnpqxbq3NnbBmn6Kes6e106GqZq%2BZm7Jw