Benita Jean EDDS

A high school basketball player and track star, Benita Edds graduated from Indiana State University in 1981 with a major in life science and medical technology. She was on the US National team from 1982-84 with a best finish of third at the 1982 US Nationals, and also placed second at the 1983 National Sports Festival. After college Edds worked for Eli Lilly as a chemist. She later moved near Statesville, North Carolina and started Timber Knoll Embroidery.

Edds then became involved in raising and breeding Newfoundland dogs with TimberKnoll Kennels, where she has become a recognized Breeder of Merit with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The kennel started in 1991 when Edds rescued her first Newfoundland, Ben, along with his mate and 10 puppies who had been starved by an irresponsible backyard breeder. Edds has also been named the Southeastern Newfoundland Club Breeder of the Year.