Estelle Johnson Edwards

1936 - 2023

Estelle Johnson Edwards (3/24/1936 – 8/16/2023, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving and devoted family on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Born to Clinton and Dora Johnson on March 24, 1936, in rural St. James, LA Parish, she beat the odds graduating from segregated Fifth Ward High School as the class valedictorian in 1956. She then attended Dillard University, a historically black university in New Orleans, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology on June 6, 1960. Estelle began her career in the early 1960s in the New Orleans Public School system as a substitute teacher. She taught for many years until she obtained employment with what is now the Louisiana Workforce Commission. While there, she worked as a job trainer helping and teaching people life and employee skills for 26 years until her retirement. On March 15, 1965, Estelle became a lifelong member of the sisterhood, Eta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Omicron Chapter. She loved her sisters participating in local meetings, regional conferences, and boulés during her 58 years of service. In 2003, the sorority celebrated her achievements by naming her "Soror of the Year." Despite being displaced by Hurricane Katrina and her failing health later in life, she continued to participate in meetings via telephone and paying her dues to the end. Her commitment and loyalty to her sorority reflects the life she lived. In the 1970s, she met a very charming John Edwards Jr. Both residing in the Park Chester apartment complex, one day her car broke down and John being who he is offered his mechanic services. They courted and before long he introduced his future wife to his children at the historic Dooky Chase restaurant. Married on September 28, 1974, they were together for 38 years before his passing. Estelle was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John Edwards Jr., sister, Florence Bell, brother, Willis Johnson, niece, Cozell McCoil, grandson, Brandon Leufroy, son-in-law, C.J. Hamilton, grandson-in-law, Timonthy London Sr.; deceased in-laws: John Edwards Sr. and Margaret Edwards, Leslie Bell, Marguerite Buggage, and Henry Edwards. She is survived by her loving children, Kimberly Edwards, John Russell Edwards (Lisa), Eileen Frick (Kenneth), Linda E. Hamilton, Clara E. Solomon. Also survived by 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family and friends are cordially invited to the Celebration of Life at St. Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70127 on Friday, August 25, 2023. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the Funeral Mass will start at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Providence Memorial Park, Metairie, LA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html, or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins.com (504) 282-0600. Linear Brooks Boyd and Donavin D. Boyd Owners/Funeral Directors.