Nelson D. Edwards

Nelson D. Edwards was born July 19, 1939, in Jeanerette, LA, to the union of Junius Ben and Savannah Edwards. (His parents and sister Carrie Lee have preceded him in death). He received Christ at an early age, where he attended Good Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of his grandfather, Obie Merritte (who preceded him in death), who was his pastor. He attended both Jeanerette Colored Elementary and High School, where he met the love of his life, Lillian M. Edwards. They were united in Holy Matrimony in 1959. T hat same year, their first son, Lyle D. Edwards, was born. Now that his family was growing, he wanted to build a better life for them. During the great migration, he relocated to Chicago, IL, upon his cousin Harry Bernard (who preceded him in death) sending for him. Upon moving to Chicago, his family grew even more. Sherri L. Edwards, Patrick P. Edwards (preceded him in death), and Shawna F. Edwards were all born in “The Windy City”. Moving to Chicago proved to be a great move. This was the beginning of his Legacy. Nelson D. Edwards, or N.D. as those who knew him referred to him, furthered his skills by attending Dunbar Vocational School at night, where he received his Plumber’s Certification. While working at Cook County Hospital, he held many significant positions, such as X-Ray technician. Nelson was dedicated to his community for over 50 years. He started a baseball team, Aces, in K-Town for the youth. He worked closely with former Alderman Michael Chandler to help better the North Lawndale Community. He was affectionately known in the neighborhood as The Man with the Dogs. Nelson was a hard worker and a great provider. After working multiple jobs to support his family, he then secured his career job at the University of IL, where, after (Lawrence Bowser). Family left to cherish his memory: His sisters, Lizzie Ruth Bowser of New Iberia, LA, Evetta Denese Edwards of Miami, FL, Joyce Mae Broussard (Milton) of New Iberia, LA, Francellla J Mischaw of Port Arthur, TX. His children Lyle D. Edwards (Carolyn) of Lafayette, LA, Sherri L. Edwards of Oak Park, IL, Shawna F. Edwards of Chicago, IL, Gerald Sanders, Sr. of Madison, Wisconsin, and daughter-in-law Michelle (Patrick) . Sister-in-law Freddie Green, Glenda Moore. Brother-in law Henry Long Jr. Grandchildren: Jacquelyne Richards, Trumaine Fotonote, Danielle R Jones, Chantelle P. Edwards, Felicia Edwards, LaTisha Brooks (Torino), Patricia Edwards, DeMor’a Edwards, Shawna Walker, Amir Sanders, Duchess Edwards, Neveah Sanders, Gerald Sanders Jr, and two bonus grandchildren. Special Goddaughter, Tammy Bernard Life-long friend and hunting buddy, Frank Lewis Host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

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