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Albertha Edwards Obituary

Albertha Marie Edwards, affectionately known as "T-Bert" within the Algiers community, sang her final song in this realm on Friday August 4, 2017. She was preceded in death by her loving parents the late Isaac Edwards and Lucille Johnson Edwards, and her sister the late Marion Edwards. T-Bert's legacy will still live on through her daughter Shawn Marie Johnson-(Derrick) Woodfin of San Diego, CA, and her grandchildren Ashely, Siobahn, and Sean Oliver of Dallas, TX, Kyle Oliver of New York, NY, and Cameron (Amanda) Oliver of Temecula, CA. She is survived by her siblings Roland Edwards, Isaac Edwards of Inglewood, CA, Lucille Edwards (Leon) Rucker of Los Angeles, CA, Rudolph (Betty) Edwards of San Bernardino, CA, and Fredrica Johnson, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will cherish her memories forever. Relatives and friends of the family, as well as the pastor, officers, and members of First Free Mission Baptist Church of Algiers, Asbury United Methodist Church of Algiers, and all neighboring churches, L.B. Landry Class of 1955 and Friends of L.B. Landry, Dillard University Class of 1959 and Dillard Alum, former Faculty and Students of George Washington Carver High School, Joseph S. Clark High School, and O. Perry Walker High School, Orleans Parish School Board Employees past and present, New Orleans Chapter of University Women, New Orleans Music Teachers Association, Lamda Chapter of the National Honorary Music Society, former choir members, and former private voice and piano students are invited to attend the funeral services at First Free Mission Baptist Church, 426 Lamarque Street, Algiers, Louisiana, on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Johnny Johnson, III officiating. Visitation from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Internment at McDonoghville Cemetery. Professional services entrusted to Murray Henderson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Albertha Marie Edwards Excellence in Music Education Scholarship. Checks should be made payable to Dillard University. Please put Albertha Marie Edwards on the memo line, and mail donations to: Dillard University, Attention Development Office, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70122.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Aug. 9 to Aug. 12, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Albertha Edwards

Not sure what to say?





Lawrence Cook III

August 3, 2025

My prayers & condolences goes out to the family.

Lawrence Cook III

August 3, 2024

My condolences. Sorry for your loss.

Sonja Harrison

August 3, 2024

Ms. Edwards' love toward her daughter Shawn, and grandchildren spoke volumes of the compassionate woman that she was. Her God given talents were shared with those that love her, and her legacy lives on.

LaTonya Wiggins

October 21, 2020

What can I say is what I have asked myself? I happen to be thinking of Ms.Edwards and thought that I would type her name up to see if she was still living and when I saw this it broke my heart. I know so many of us feel that we was her favorite student(smile) and I am one of them(smile) She took me under her wings like a mom would her child. She took me to compete for all state choir and I made it every year. Chorus was my favorite class with my Favorite teacher. I remember her taking me to sing at an event and I got to take a picture with Wynton Marsailes. I believe it is to this day that she is one of the reasons that I Love Opera and enjoy singing it at times. I think she would be proud to know that I made two acappella gospel cd's. She was truly one of the BEST of the BEST Teachers that I have ever had. I Thank You Ms.Edwards for all that you did in my life and helping me to grow in song. Take Your Rest our Dear Sweet,Hard Working Teacher. Love Ya Ms.Edwards...A Friend Forever and Always To the Family,thank you for sharing her with us and you have my deepest sympathy.

Eric Lambert

August 20, 2020

She taught me to sing. She taught me respect. Most of all she taught me it was ok to fail, as long as you learned from it. Goodbye, my dear teacher.

Cynthia Sheeler-Perkins

August 17, 2017

I am SO SORRY to hear about the passing of Ms. Edwards. I have been knowing her for many years. She was my music teacher at Mary Dora Coghill Elementary School. She gave me my first solo. I was 'scared to death'! She was such a EXCELLENT TEACHER! She had such finesse about her. She actually looked at me as a friend and great musician. That was an honor coming from some one like Ms. Edwards. I have been trained by some GOOD music teachers in my life. Ms. Edwards is DEFINITELY among them. I am praying for the family in this loss.

Sorry for your loss Shawn I'm praying for you and your family love you all

Shalanda Myre Hines

August 15, 2017

Henrietta Blackwell Corley

August 14, 2017

Singing in God's Choir of Angels now is the best chorus teacher ever! She had the gift of patience and true humility, so matter who the student was; she treated them all the same. Her family certainly should feels lots of love coming their way - because I know there are a lot of loving thoughts swirling around right now from all of us students. I was hers at OP Walker from '70-'73 and looked forward to that class everyday!

Sonja Harrison

August 14, 2017

Ms. Edwards was loving and caring to her wonderful family. I witnessed her love for life through those that held her close to their hearts. She was always encouraging and proud of their accomplishments. Her love for education is demonstrated in her daughter and grandchildren's pursuits for higher education. They have utilized the talents that she cultivated and nourished. Your rest is deserved for the beautiful life that you lived and shared with those that love you. God's Blessing to family, friends, community and those that will miss this beautiful Christian Soul.

Kathleen Woodley-Stokes

August 14, 2017

My condolences to the family of Ms Edwards. She was a trail blazer as she started the choir at the new O. Perry Walker in 1970. During divisive times, she used her gift to make song birds of us all, no matter the race, creed, or color. She was a no nonsense lady, who commanded respect and excellence. I fondly remember my first long blue dress with the orange buttons and because of her, I still love the parts of the Hallelujah Chorus. Rest in Peace, Ms Edwards. Your legacy lives on. Kathleen Woodley Stokes, O Perry Walker, Class of 1972

Joy Shelvin

August 14, 2017

To the Edwards Family,

Miss Albertha Edwards was so much to so many. She was a teacher, mentor, counselor, cheerleader, motivator and friend. Her love and dedication for her chosen profession was inspiring to those of us she taught so well. She showed us how to have pride in ourselves and she taught us to strive for excellence in everything. Miss Edwards showed us how to sing with our head's up. The notes would sound better and we would look better singing them. Now is the time for her to take her rest from her labors and for us to carry on her legacy with our heads up. Blessings to the family and friends of Albertha Marie Edwards.

Michelle Edmond

August 13, 2017

To Shawn and family,
Ms Edwards was my teacher/mentor all thru my high school years, she was an original "songbird"! She was quite accomplished, and loved to teach her students to sing. I often speak of her, when I sing, I know she's singing wit God's angels.

"Mini haha"

Joyce Wingfield Stokes

August 13, 2017

Ms. Edwards was an excellent vocal teacher at O. Perry Walker High School. I graduated in 1973 and moved away, but I've thought about her over the years. She's the reason my pronunciation is so clear. I can hear her telling us to pronounce every syllable and every time a professional singer drags words together it bothers me. She was a very dignified woman and a wonderful example of gracefulness. Rest in peace with our Lord Jesus.

ARCHIE & SIMONIA MILTON

August 13, 2017

Dearest Shawn and Edwards Family,
We express to you our condolences and deepest sympathy in the "Home going" of Ms. Albertha Edwards. She was my ( Simonia) master teacher when I did my student teaching at Clark high school in 1969. She made such a lasting impression on me and I later realized I did many things the way Ms. Edwards did - tough and with dignity and love. She became one of our best friends and of course my maiden name is Edwards which we laughed about us being kin folks!
I, Archie Milton became acquainted with Ms. Edwards at G.W. Carver high school during my observation and student teaching with Ms. Yvonne Bush in'62-63. Later I became her piano tuner where ever she needed me.
We as a family of musicians had a deep bonding. We believe she is resting in the arms of Jesus because of her profession of faith.
Please be comforted and strengthen, knowing we're praying for you and your family during this time of bereavement.

Barbara Getridge, Tross

August 12, 2017

The Getridge Family Condolence From California, New Orleans La, Texas. God Will be with your Family.

Don Kron

August 12, 2017

The power to influence and change young lives for the better was wielded by this dedicated and talented woman. Albertha Edwards lit the spark in me that grew into a lifelong passion for Choral music enriching my life in ways I could not have imagined. Thank you so much for this beautiful gift.
OPW '73

Barbara La Mothe

August 12, 2017

May God Bless you all during your time of loss. Truly she was my "Song Bird" as I affectionately called her when she did her rendition of "You Shall Behold Him". Yes, face to face in all His Glory. She will be truly missed.

Michael Tucker

August 12, 2017

Ms. Edwards was a wonderful and sweet person blessed with an angelic voice. She was my piano teacher as well as a friend of our family. I would like to extend blessings and prayers out to her family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Lawrence Cook III

August 12, 2017

You was a big part of my life a big inspiration to me to never give up on anything. Rest in Heaven now. God has another angel. We will meet again one day.. Lawrence Cook III

Wendy Edwards-Carr

August 11, 2017

As a little girl, I remember my Auntie Albertha as being an example of class and beauty. May she rest in the peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Annette Patterson

August 11, 2017

Ms. Edwards will truly be missed by many, truly a blessing to the community.

Charlie Benn, Jr.

August 11, 2017

Rest in peace, Ms Edwards, from your former student at O. Perry Walker choir 1970-1972. Because of you, I am still singing,in my church choir now. Thanks to you! God Bless!!


Love,

Charlie Benn, Jr.

REV. DR.LILLIAN HENDERSON-ALEXANDER

August 11, 2017

YOU ALL HAVE OUR DEEPEST EMPATHY, AND SYMPATHY OVER THE DEPARTURE OF MS. EDWARDS.
LOVE ALWAYS, REV. DR. LILLIAN HENDERSON - ALEXANDER: PASTOR AND THE ARMY OF GOD CHURCH.

Carolyn Green Haynes

August 11, 2017

Ms. Edwards was a great Music Teacher. I was in the choir and a Graduate of 1977 O. Perry Walker Senior High School. She always encouraged students to do their very best. We will miss you Ms. Edwards.

Mona Lisa Pellerin-Washington

August 11, 2017

How can I express the love and gratitude I have for the teacher who inspired me to be who I am today!! You brought me to audition at your alma mater, Dillard University with Dr. Frederick Hall on a SATURDAY morning....result...full music scholarship!!! You believed in me, when I did not believe in myself!! THANK YOU for your love and dedication to all of your students!! You were my inspiration then and now!!! I love you, Miss Edwards...ALWAYS!!
Mona Lisa Pellerin Washington
Joseph S. Clark Sr. High c/o 1968

Glenda Bryan Brooks

August 11, 2017

T-Bert was my piano teacher as a youth plus my music teacher while attending O Perry Walker. Her statue was of love and elegance. To the family may cherished memories bring you moments of comfort. God is in control.

Mona Lisa Pellerin- Washington

August 11, 2017

You took me under your wing when I didn't know what or who I was and what I could accomplish!! Brought me to your alma mater, Dillard University to audition for the music program with Dr. Frederick Hall!! Results...full scholarship!!! There are not enough words to express the love I have for you in sharing your gift of music with me.You taught me sooo much!!! This is a great loss for me and every life you have touched!! FOREVER GRATEFUL!!!

Sharon McWhorter

August 11, 2017

My condolences go out to the entire family! You are all in my thoughts and prayers! T-Bert will forever be in our hearts!

Please call me if you need anything!

Monica Delaney

August 11, 2017

I want to wish the family of Ms Edwards my deepest sympathies. Ms Edwards was my Choir Teacher at O Perry Walker she was tough but she cared for us all May she Rest In Peace. Monica Delaney of The Colony, TX

Julian & Elise Hamilton

August 11, 2017

Shawn I am sadden by the death of your mom. I met her through my sister in law Gladies years ago. She has been a friend to our family. She also taught my daughter piano lessons. She was such a classy lady whom I admired. Such a talented singer. T Bert will forever be in our hearts and memories. You have my deepest sympathy and love.

Emily Lapouble

August 11, 2017

" To God be the glory for the things He has done....". I am eternally grateful to my dear Miss Edwards for her influence in my life. I have a picture of her in my classroom and each year I tell the children of her influence on my life to be doing what I love to do..... teach music. I cherish my memories of her teaching and I will always love her. To her family..... I pray that the Lord will comfort you and that music will be a tool that He uses to do so.

Robin Benn

August 11, 2017

I was in the O.P.W. Choir '77-'80. Ms. Edwards was very strict on us in the choir. She stressed to us at school , what my parents expected at home; commitment and dedication. Through out the years the choirs received top ratings during L.M.E.A. competitions. She would not have expected anything less of her choral students. Rest on Ms. Edwards, you have received your Superior rating!

Jerome Carroll

August 10, 2017

Joseph S. Clark class of 1968 would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Ms Edwards. She will be truly miss and never forgotten.

August 10, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Ms. Edwards was my chorus teacher for three years at OPW (1974-1976). A great and patient teacher. Sing in the heavens now. Monica Pennison Gomez

Pete

August 10, 2017

In my thoughts and memories as a musician, strict teacher who was in her heart a loving lady. Her influence on my life, and many many others, helped make me who I am today.

Prayers for her and her family.

And, in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make.

Yvette Marsalis

August 10, 2017

To my schoolmate from years ago,may you rest in a much deserved rest throughout eternity,yours in Christ,

Martha Bailey clark

August 10, 2017

I have fond memories of my days in the OPW chorus 1970-1973. She was my favorite teacher. I will always remember her. So sorry for your loss! Sending love and prayers to your family and friends.
Love!
Martha Bailey Clark
and my mom, Eloise Bailey, Karr jr high music teacher

Kathlen Calhoun Nettleton

August 10, 2017

A teacher who encouraged all of her students to be the best they could be in all aspects of their life. We all knew her expectations and tried to meet them. While music was the class--how to live life was the message.
Kathleen Calhoun Nettleton

Derek D. Bardell, MLA, MA, CNP

August 10, 2017

Albertha Edwards was an overall wonderful person and great colleague. Her love of music and passion for education touched the lives of countless students during her four decade career. She will truly be missed.

Deborah Devore

August 10, 2017

I will forever remember my O Perry Walker music teacher Ms. Edwards was one in a million she will be greatly missed, she's in heaven directing the angelical choir RIP Ms. Edwards your labor wasn't in vain

Rhea Joseph Dokes and Family

August 9, 2017

To the Edwards Family:


Sending our sincerest condolences, prayers and love to each of you. Miss Edwards is now resting in the Arms of Jesus, The Christ, and perfectly healed. We hold numerous and treasured memories of an excellent educator and vocal music instructor at George Washington Carver Senior High School in the 6o's. She was a mentor of my cousin, the late Brenda L. Cooper, and paid tribute, in song, at her funeral. May the service she shared, with so many, be an everlasting legacy.

RAM/Class of 1963

Barbara

August 9, 2017

Condolences to the Edward's family for such a "large pillar" of the community. As a DU graduate she will be sorely missed by the DU family. May the God of All Comfort comfort bring peace to you all.
DU Class of 2004

Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results

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Memorial Events
for Albertha Edwards

Aug

12

Visitation

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

First Free Mission Baptist Church

426 Lamarque Street, Algiers, LA

Aug

12

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

First Free Mission Baptist Church

426 Lamarque Street, Algiers, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Murray Henderson Funeral Home, Inc. - Algiers

1209 Teche St, New Orleans, LA 70114

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