Essie Lee (Johnson) Edwards

On Friday evening, September 23, 2022, at Brickyard Healthcare in Elkhart, Essie Lee Edwards passed away peacefully. Essie was born June 2, 1927, in Leflore County, MS to the late Julius Frank Johnson and Levanda (Macon) Johnson. After the passing of her birth mother, her father remarried to Annie Bell Johnson, affectionately known as "Big Mama" who helped raise her as her daughter. She attended grammar school in Itta Bena, MS, graduated from Coahoma County Agricultural High School in 1947. In 1947, Essie married Willie Edwards and moved to Elkhart, IN. She became a faithful member of St James AME Church, where she served for over 70 years and on the Stewardess Board as well. She was employed by Elkhart Community School until retirement after 37 years of service. 

Essie was married to the late Willie Edwards of Clarksdale, MS, to this union one son was born. To cherish her memory is her son, Willie Frank (Shirley)Edwards, of Elkhart, her grandchildren, Marco (Camille) Edwards, Jessup MD, Tammy (Pevis) Dulin, Reynoldsburg OH, and Teresa (Chris) Rhodes, Richmond TX. As well as 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings; Steve Leonard Johnson, Flauzelle Johnson, James Johnson, Julius Frank Goodman, and Delitha Allen.  

A visitation for Essie will be held Monday, October 3, 2022, at St. James AME Church in Elkhart from 11 am to 12 pm. A funeral service for Essie will follow at 12 pm. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart. Sister Rev. Karen Cross of St. James AME will be officiating. Pallbearers are Marco Edwards, Jerry Watson, Pevis Dulin, Christopher Rhodes, Demarcos Edwards, and Amos Edwards. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Essie Lee (Johnson) Edwards, please visit our floral store.