Magdalene Edwards

September 14, 1937 - August 12, 2020

Magdalene Edwards, 82, of New Haven, CT was called home on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. She was born on September 14, 1937, in Bethel, North Carolina, to the late Will and Mary Jane Brown. She is the second of twelve children and grew up in the Bethel Community, before relocating to Connecticut and marrying her late husband, Herman Edwards. It was in New Haven, Connecticut that she was blessed to birth and raise nine children and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Magdalene Edwards worked at Yale New Haven Hospital for 37 years before retiring. She was an active member in the New Haven community for over 40 years, affectionately being called “Nana” by not only her family members but the community as well. She was also a very committed church member serving on the Mother’s Board, as a Sunday School teacher, and on several other committees, initially at First Calvary Baptist Church but then later becoming a member at Christian Love Center. Magdalene was a strong woman who loved the Lord and her family. She had a radiant smile that could brighten your day and a hug that could provide so much comfort. Her laugh brought so much happiness to everyone around her. She was a sweet soul, who could spark a conversation with anyone, even a stranger walking by, and was sure to tell them that they were loved. Magdalene Edwards leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters Cassandra Waller, Gailya Brown (Marshall), Sheri Highsmith (George), Theda Erkerd (Samuel), and Angela Miller (Randy); her sons Carleton Edwards (Brenda), Terrance Edwards, and Sherman Edwards; stepchildren Theresa Edwards and Herman Edwards, Jr; 42 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She also leaves to cherish special friends Evelyn Randolph, Sharon Wilson, Nadine Ricks, Ella Valentine, and Nadine Tisdale (William). She also leaves her brothers William Brown, Wilbur Brown, Donnie Brown (Luvina), and Ronnie Brown (Geraldine) to celebrate her memories along with a special daughter Ella Mae Edwards. Magdalene Edwards was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her daughter, Janice Edwards and her stepchildren Delores Edwards and Leonard Edwards. She is also predeceased by her sisters Mary Brown and Geraldine Brown, and her brothers Charlie Brown, Wiyll Brown, Jimmy Brown, Joseph Brown and Edward Brown. She was also preceded in death by her longtime friend, Robert Howard. Magdalene Edwards will truly be missed.