Jacksonville, Florida
CALHOUN Miss Edna M. Calhoun, prominent member of a pioneer Jacksonville, FL family passed away peacefully June 22, 2007. She was a Jacksonville, FL native, having resided in Washington, DC, before returning to Florida after retirement. She was educated in the schools of Duval County, graduating from Edward Waters High School in Jacksonville. Furthering her education, she attended Florida A&M University, where she earned the BA degree in Education. Graduate studies were completed at University of Michigan of Ann Arbor, MI, where the Master of Arts Degree in Education was conferred. Further post-graduate work was completed at Columbia University of New York. She was a faithful member of Historic Mt. Zion AME Church, where formerly her father served as Pastor and she served in the Blanche R. Coleman Friendly Club. As an outstanding Educator, Miss Calhoun served as Supervisor of Elementary Schools of Jackson County, Marianna, FL and for a number of years as Supervisor of Elementary Schools of Duval County School System of Jacksonville, FL as her first appointments. Later, she was employed by Florida A&M University of Tallahassee, FL, where she served as Dean of Women. In 1984, Dean Calhoun retired as Dean for Residence Life of Howard University in Washington, DC after 20 years of dedicated service. She enjoyed her retirement at her home in American Beach, FL. Other affiliations include founding member and first president of Gamma Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Links, Inc., American Personnel and Guidance Association, National Association of Women Deans and Counselors, Southern College Personnel Association, Member-At- Large of American Association of University Women, and served as Past National President of Continental Societies, Inc. She was preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Netha Calhoun; her brother, Paris S. Calhoun; and sisters, Thomasina C. Calhoun and Frances C. Murray. Survivors include her nephew, James P. Bradley (Dianne), and Justin P. Bradley; niece, Frances C. Bradley, Jordanna M. Bradley, and Jae Anne Bradley; devoted 1st cousins, Cornelius T. Shields (Shirley); brother-in-law, Robert E. Murray; cousins, Altamese Roberts, Ora K. Hallinger (Evans), Johnny Shields (Janet), Ruth Gary, Rose K. Marshall, Delores Newsom (Luther), and Frances Cheeseborough. FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11 AM, FRIDAY, June 29, 2007 at Historic Mt. Zion AME Church, with Rev. Frederick D. Richardson, Jr., Pastor, officiating. Miss Calhoun will rest in the mortuary for visitation Thursday from 5 PM until 8 PM (where the family will received friends at 5 PM) and at the church Friday from 9 AM until the hour of service. Alpha Kappa Alpha Ivy Beyond the Wall Service will be 6PM Thursday during visitation. Interment will be in Edgewood Cemetery. The cortege will assemble at 5930 Lusaid Dr. under the direction of ALPHONSO WEST MORTUARY, INC. 4409 Soutel Dr. 766-9671. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com
Ms. Calhoun was a wonderful person. She hired me to work as a "Grad-Fellow" in one of the mens' dormitories back in the late 1960's. To this day, I remember how pleasant and nice she was. She made me feel like a member of the Howard University Family . I'll always be grateful to her for that. I will always remember her.
Michael W. Walker, DDS
July 05, 2007 | Silver Spring, MD
I was one of her many girls from the Tubmans Quadrangle at Howard University in the '60s. Thank you Dean Calhoun for your dedication and for being such a role model.
Ayana (Joan) Watkins-Northern
July 03, 2007 | Washington, DC
As a former Continetal Society Sister, and friend of Dear Edna, we grieve your passing and will miss you sorely. To your family, your loss is great and we send you our prayers and love.
Fran(ces) and Bob Route-Wilson
June 30, 2007 | Banning, CA
Remembered By
Gilmer Hayes
June 29, 2007 | Augusta, GA
I WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL TO DEAN CALHOUN FOR TEACHING ME HOW TO BE A "HOWARD WOMAN."
DEBRA NEWMAN HAM
June 29, 2007 | LAUREL, MD
"Dean" Edna Calhoun; so it is that she will always be remembered by those of us who were fortunate enough to come under her tutelage at Howard University.
She was Dean of Women and the first-ever Dean for Residence Life (student housing) at Howard with responsibility for several thousand students who lived in University-sponsored housing.
She served through the tumultuous times of the "student revolution" of the late 60's with a steady hand and devotion to fairness.
Dean...
William Keene
June 28, 2007 | Sora, Republic Of Panama
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Marla Thorpe
June 28, 2007 | Jacksonville
A long and fruitful life well-lived has now entered into His kingdom to worship and rest with the faithful. So, Edna, until that "great gittin' up morning, fare ye well, fare ye well."
Vivian Fauntleroy
June 28, 2007 | Largo, MD
To the family of Dean Calhoun:
You have our deepest sympathy. We have fond memories of Dean Calhoun when she hosted the first Mother's Day weekend in May of 1965. Parents from all over the country came to Howard University that beautiful spring weekend to enjoy that momentous program... From The family of the late Retha Spears, Los Angeles, California
MELVERLYNN HULL
June 28, 2007 | Silver Spring, MD
