Clara Mae Edwards

1930 - 2021

Clara Mae Edwards answered the heavenly call from the Lord on September 20, 2021. Born on December 25, 1930, in Junction City, Arkansas; she often reminded us that "the people came from near and far to see the Christmas baby." Growing up, Clara considered herself a "city girl" and she loved to cook, dance and socialize with her friends. She loved helping her parents take care of their home. She also worked as a babysitter and a cook/server in the local hotel. During her school years, she played basketball, ran track and played volleyball. Clara's late husband, James Edwards Sr., had an army buddy by the name of Sebron Charles. Charles' wife Mankie was a friend of Clara's. The three of them were looking through Mankie's photo album and that is where the story of Clara and James began. He saw her picture and asked if he could contact her. James and Clara exchanged letters and phone calls for about a year. He then asked her for her hand in marriage and she said yes! They met in person for the first time in Las Cruces, New Mexico on May 10, 1950, and were married the very next day on his birthday. Their story lasted for 64 loving years. Out of their union came six children: Clara Helen Cobbs, Zelda Edwards, Wanda Sanders, James Edwards, Jr., Teresa Allen -- all of Gary, IN; and Samuel Edwards (Belinda) of Kennesaw, GA. They have 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. Her beloved husband James along with her parents Grady, Sr. and Mary Landers; her sisters Helen Virginia, Mary Lee, Arlena and brothers Grady, Jr. and Willie Lee; and her granddaughter Artavia Bateman preceded her in death. Clara accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age in Junction City, Arkansas where she sang in the choir and served on the usher board as a child and young adult. In Gary, Indiana, she served for many years at First Baptist Church during the pastorate of Rev. Robert Penn. She worked as a Fullerbrush and Avon salesperson. Her last place of employment was Bryan's Manufacturing Company in Lowell, Indiana. Clara was a loving wife and mother and an excellent homemaker and cook. Every meal was made lovingly from "scratch" and she especially delighted in watching her family "clean their plates." She spent the great majority of her time with her family. She enjoyed watching basketball and her very favorite team was the Chicago Bulls and favorite player was Michael Jordan. She also loved watching the Chicago Cubs baseball with her beloved husband. In the summer, she, James and the children went fishing at Lake Etta and visiting local amusement parks with our special family friends, the late "Cuzins" Hubert and Louise Spencer. She made sure we vacationed in the south to visit with her relatives and friends in Arkansas and Louisiana. Clara leaves sweet and loving memories for her family and all who knew her. Her love for her husband was immeasurable, unconditional and sacrificial. She was a mother-figure and dear friend to many outside her immediate family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren will miss her deeply. To God Be the Glory! Visitation and funeral will be held Monday, October 4, 2021. Visitation is at 9:00 a.m. and the funeral is at 10:00 a.m. at Van Buren Missionary Baptist Church, 2585 Van Buren Street, Gary, Indiana 46407. Pastor Dwight E. Mobley, Sr. will officiate. Interment Service is immediately following the funeral at 2:00 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 West Hoff Road, Elwood, Illinois 60421.