Edwina Marie Pigee

Edwina Marie (Thomas) Pigee, was born on October 10, 1932, to the late Edward L. (Seabo) and Patience Ann (Kee) Thomas in Key West, Florida. Edwina was the oldest between her and her sister. She was the last to join her parents and her sister. Edwina (Benia) departed this life on Monday, May 6, 2024 at the Trustwell Living center surrounded by loved ones in peace.
Edwina was born and raised in Key West. She graduated from Douglas High School in 1950, where she was an avid basketball player. It was on that basketball court when she caught the eye of the man who would make her his wife. Benia would tell the story of how she was on her way to college to play basketball and get a degree in nursing. However, Nathaniel "Nay" Pigee had other plans for her future. He was employed with the Federal Government in the Navy as a Sailor (there is something about a man in a uniform). Benia thought about it and talked to her mom about it and decided to go for the "government check". Nathaniel and Edwina were married on September 8, 1952. They were married for 70+ years until death did them part. To this union Benia and Nay had four children. Benia lived a life as a Navy wife, which propel her to travel wherever Nay was stationed. She lived in Key West, FL; Great Lakes, IL; Portsmouth, VA.; and New London, CT. Once Nay left the Navy they relocated to Peoria, IL where Benia pick up her nursing skills at a nearby hospital. They later relocated to Joliet, IL in 1967. Edwina had numerous jobs in Joliet. She was employed as a factory worker with Caterpillar, Uniroyal, Fisher Body, and she did Home Healthcare after she retired from Fisher Body.
Edwina lived in Joliet for 30+ years. Edwina was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church under the Leadership of Rev. & Mrs. Morris Smith. As a faithful member she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Group 9 member, Deacons and Trustee Board, Usher Board, Missionary Committee and she was on the Kitchen Committee. Edwina was loved by her church family. She was known for her cooking and the lady with a strange accent. Everyone would ask her where she was from because she spoke funny. She always loved telling people her history. How her grandmother was Cuban from the Congo and her grandfather was a "full blooded Chinaman". She loved telling the story of how she was brought up speaking Spanish how her mother would tell her to be proud of her heritage and to always walk with your head up. Everyone Edwina came in contact with loved her and enjoyed being in her presence.
Edwina was a very well-rounded individual, active in her community and received many accolades, she earned a Substitute Teacher's Certificate, American Baptist Home Society Women American Baptist Home Mission Society and a Certificate of Completion for the Mentoring Project.
Edwina and Nay moved from Joliet in 1993 to Delton, FL, where they lived for several years. The couple later moved to Mound City, IL. While living in Mound City, Benia was very active. She served in the Alexander-Pulaski County Branch of the NAACP. She worked at Merridian High School as a substitute teacher and as a Librarian. She was a dedicated member of the Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church in Mound City, IL. At the church, she served on the Usher Board, the Mother's Board and Kitchen Committee.
Edwina was preceded in death by her husband, Nathaniel Pigee; her parents, Seabo and Patience Thomas; one sister, Belen C. (Holly) Williams, numerous aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends.
Edwina will be missed by her daughters, Gwendolyn (Rudolph) Collins of Joliet, IL; Karen (CeCe) Pigee of Shorewood, IL; and Valerie (Eugene) Adams of Joliet, IL; one son, Nathaniel "Nate Jr." of Bloomington, IL; one sister-in-law, Annie Pigee of Joliet, IL; six grandchildren, Tiffany, Edwina, Jermaine, Metish, Nia, Megan; ten great-grandchildren, Kevin, Kiana, Skyler, Alex, Jaila, Clayton, JuJu, Derrick, Dylan and Allen. Edwina's Favorite Daughter-N-Law Edith Marie Pigee and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and family friends.
Mama, Mom, Mama Benia, Big Momma, Granny, Benia Boo you will be missed. Love you to the moon and back! Rest in Peace Sweetie.
Visitation for Edwina Pigee will be held on Monday May 20, 2024 at Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Illinois from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm burial will follow in the Mound City National Cemetery at 1:00pm. Local arrangements were Entrusted Massie Funeral home in Mounds, Illinois. Online condolences may be left at massiefuneralhome.com
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