Johnnie Edwards Obituary
JOHNNIE B. EDWARDS March 2, 1916 ~ November 15, 2010 Johnnie B. was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1916. Her father died when she was very young, leaving a large family of 6 boys and 2 girls. The family struggled financially under the direct care of her mother, Mary Helen Walker, but was centered in love and the resolve to better their lives. Johnnie was a rugged girl that could stand her ground with any of her brothers; in fact she was the protector in the family. She married at an early age in 1932 to the love of her life, Bennie Edwards. They made their home in Shreveport for the next eleven years, then in 1943 they decided to leave Louisiana and move to California to seek a better life for themselves and their children. They settled in Los Angeles for the next four years. In 1947 they decided they wanted to raise their children in a more rural environment, thus they purchased property in Mead Valley, California and built their home to raise their children. Johnnie B. always desired to have a spiritual life, thus she joined New Hope Baptist when they first moved to Mead Valley. Several years after that, the Lord led her to fellowship with First Baptist Church Perris and she soon moved her membership. She has been a member for more than 50 years and has served in many capacities, including singing in the choir, working with the missionary society, and serving on the mothers\' board. Johnnie and Bennie were married for 62 years before she lost her beloved husband in 1994. Johnnie was a housewife for most of her life. She worked in the defense industry for a short time during the war; otherwise, she was focused on raising her children. She was preceded in death by two sons, Alfred Edwards of Perris and Mack Edwards of Los Angeles. She is survived by her other 5 children, Bennie Edwards of Compton, Earnest Edwards of Perris, Charles Edwards of Perris, Gwendolyn Felix of Riverside, and Rev. Clarence Edwards of Los Angeles. She also leaves 8 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Tillman Mortuary on Saturday, November 20th at 10am. Viewing is Friday, November 19th from 1:00pm until 7:00pm at Tillman Mortuary, 2874 Tenth Street, Riverside, CA 92507. Repast after the service at First Baptist Church Perris, 311 E. 5th Street, Perris, CA 92570, (951) 657-3767. Services officiated by Rev. Dr. Connor Robinson, Pastor First Baptist Church Perris. TILLMAN RIVERSIDE MORTUARY 951-682-6433
Published by The Press-Enterprise on Nov. 19, 2010.