Juanita Elvagene Edwards

Juanita Mallet Edwards, 102, was born in Eunice, Louisiana, on January 22, 1923, and passed away peacefully in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on April 10, 2025.

She graduated from Kinder High School before attending Dominican College, where she earned a degree in business. Juanita moved to Lake Charles and began her professional career at Calcasieu Marine Bank. She later helped manage and operate her husband's successful dental practice. In addition to her professional work, she oversaw the family farms and lands across six parishes, demonstrating both business acumen and deep dedication to her family's legacy.

A devout Catholic, Juanita was a longtime and faithful member of St. Margaret Catholic Church. She was active in several religious organizations, including the Catholic Daughters, the Altar Society, and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Her love for Jesus and her deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary guided her throughout her life.

Juanita was the beloved wife of Dr. Harold Guegnon Fabian Edwards, with whom she shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. She was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She had a zest for life that showed in her love for hosting family gatherings, traveling the world, art and painting, dancing, and most of all, spending quality time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Philip D. Edwards (Lynn); her grandchildren, Alecia Edwards, Elizabeth Collins (Josh), and Philip Edwards (Katie); great-grandchildren, Courtney Edwards, Gracie Edwards, Ellie Allen, Waylon Edwards, Oliver Barnett, Lane Edwards, Addison Edwards, Emma Collins, Gabriel Edwards, and Charlie Collins; and her great-great-grandchild, Sawyer Edwards.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Joseph Mallet and Olive Philoman Fontenot, and her husband, Dr. Harold G. F. Edwards.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 15th at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Lacassine Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. to conclude the evening.

Juanita's remarkable legacy of faith, love, and strength will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.