Michael F. Edwards

Michael F. Edwards, born on July 22, 1950, passed away on July 20, 2022, just two days shy of his 72nd birthday. Michael was a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend who left a mark on the lives of many.

He is survived by his loving spouse, John Henry Wilson III. Michael was deeply rooted in his family, known for the strong bonds he created with his mother, Catherine Pearson Levert.He also shared a special connection with his sister Cathy Edwards Barnes who will forever hold his memories dear.

Michael took great joy in being an uncle to his niece, Tiffany Edwards, and his nephews, Richard Edwards, Geremy Barnes, Britt Barnes, and Shane Barnes. His family continued to grow, and he became a beloved great-uncle to Blaze Barnes, Hadley Barnes, Grant Barnes, and Breeze Barnes.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Richard Lamar Edwards, and his brother, Richard Dwight Edwards. Though they have left this world, their memories of love and laughter will always remain in the hearts of those who knew them.

Michael graduated from Carthage High School, " Howling Tigers" in 1968. Mississippi State University with a degree in Sociology.

Michael started his career at the Mississippi State Hospital Psychiatric Department. After moving to New Orleans, he worked with the Louisiana Department of Social Welfare Services in the Child Protection Division, spending extensive hours working with underprivileged children. He moved on to working in the Admissions Department for Delgado Community Junior College. Afterward, as an administrator for the Easter Seal Society. He had a very brief employment in the Administrative Services Department of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. His career then shifted to working in various administrative positions with the Council on Aging in Louisiana, including the Jefferson Parish Council on Aging, the East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging, and as Executive Director of the St. Tammany Parish Council on Aging. The agency he retired from was The Medical Team as the office manager for a nationwide agency that provides in-home medical care.

As a gay man, Michael was active in the gay and lesbian community of New Orleans and became a member of the Krewes of Amon Ra and The Lords of Leather, and was born royalty in both and Ball Captain. He designed and sewed costumes for both organizations. He became a member of the No Aids Task Force and was involved in fundraising. He designed wedding dresses for his niece Tiffany Edwards, his husband's cousin, Sharon King Fisher, and for his special friend and family member, Corky Irwin, niece Tami, and brother Clarence.

Even though he was not an architect, he developed plans for the restoration of a historic property he discovered and was involved in purchasing on 2224 Dumaine Street that was designed and built in 1847 by the Pontalba family for a free woman of color. He was an interior decorator for all the houses we lived in during his life, which finally involved our home at 14555 Keys Road, Covington, Louisiana, an 8-acre estate we inherited from my mother, Ethel Crossley Wilson Segue that we call "Mahogany Oaks."

Michael's Celebration of Life was held on August 13, 2022, at his residence. A private Interment of Michael's ashes took place in the Mount Olivet Cemetery, 3001 Gentilly Road, New Orleans, in his husband's family resting place.

Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer in September, and he battled this condition that had no cure.

He and his husband were together for 43 years and married for 10, they will love one another forever throughout the Universe.