Helen Edwards

Mrs. Helen Edwards, affectionally known as "Ma" and Granny was born on September 23, 1930 in Laurel, Mississippi to the late George and Willie Mae McCullum (Watts). She was the youngest of the three children.

Mrs. Helen accepted Christ at an early age and joined Shiloh M.B. Church under the pastorate of the late Pastor James W. Walton, Sr. Helen was active member of the Women's Ministry, attended bible classes and remained one of the Mother's of the church until her health kept her from attendance. The family enjoyed stories of how Helen would join in the singing with the church choir in her later years of life. Attending Church brought joy to Helen's life, she loved her Church family just like her own.

Mrs. Helen moved to Joliet, IL during her teenage years with her uncles and met her husband, the late James C. Edwards. To this union, eight children were born. Helen and J.C. remained united until his passing on June 23, 2015.

Mrs. Helen worked at Damico's Restaurant and then went on to work for many years at Joliet Terrace until retirement. Helen loved to cook meals for her family, as well as maintaining an immaculate home that was always welcoming for her children and grandchildren to enjoy. The grandchildren especially enjoyed breakfast at granny's with Nesquik chocolate milk, fluffy scrambled eggs, biscuits and bacon. Everyone loved her homemade chicken and dumplings. Goulash with fried chicken was another favorite meal of the family. Helen often prayed that her family had a relationship with the Lord as she did.

On Thursday, September 9, 2021, surrounded by loved ones at her home under the care of Joliet Area Community Hospice, Helen went home to be with the Lord and her husband, J.C.

Mrs. Helen is preceded in death by her parents, George and Willie Mae McCullum; one brother, Clote McCullum; one daughter, Catherine "Cathy" Anderson; one son, Mitchell Edwards; and her loving husband of 61 years J.C. (Jake) Edwards.

Mrs. Helen leaves to cherish her memories: her two daughters, Vanessa Edwards and Robyn Edwards of Joliet, IL; four sons, Milton of Omaha, NE; Michael (Betty) Edwards, Wayne and Randy Edwards, all of Joliet, IL; sister, Allie Evans of Joliet, IL; 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; and a special friend, Freida Tucker whom affectionally called her "Mother."

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