Essie D. Edwards

Essie Delores Edwards was born on October 11, 1926, in Louisiana to the parents of Lester and Mamie Singleton. She was the eldest of eight children: Calvin (D), Bessie (D), Melissa (D), Jessie “Big Baby” (D), Ada, Ollie and Ruby (D) and moved to LA County.

She married J.B. Edwards in 1950 and had three children: Canetana, Jerone, and Marc Sr. Her children remember their “Mama” as a woman full of faith, wisdom, and love.

She was a proud alumna of Compton High School and Compton Junior College, and received a degree in Gerontology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, in 1976. After moving to South Los Angeles, Essie began working at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) and the Los Angeles Unified School District as a teacher.

Growing up in the South, Essie watched her mother make clothes from burlap sacks and developed a love for fashion. For more than 70 years, she indulged in sewing clothes and accessories for others and was well-known for her unique and creative hat designs. She would create hats from fabric, paper and plastic bags, beads, rhinestones and anything she could get her hands on. In fact, Essie was sought after by numerous First Ladies to design their hats and attire.

She was an active and devout member of the Senior Watts Center where she dedicated her time to teaching other women how to sew. Her creativity and genius were on full display when she organized the annual fashion show featuring her fabulous designs.

During her last years, Essie loved entertaining visits from family, friends, and neighbors. She lived a long and full life and wore her crown with such resilience and beauty.

Essie transitioned peacefully at her son Jerone's home in Hemet, CA, on December 30, 2024, at the age of 98.

She is survived by her siblings, Ada Moore and Ollie Taylor; her children, Canetana Hurd, Jerone Edwards (Terri), and Marc Edwards; her grandchildren, Keith, Silvin, Brittany (Amos), Brooklynn (Hoang), Saundrall, Marc Jr., and Essie; and her great-grandchildren, Marvel and Ever, a host of extended family, friends, colleagues, students and her two dogs, Candy and Chewy.

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