Alberta Lola Lestina Benn Edwards

Alberta Lola Lestina Benn Edwards was born to Anderson and Mamie Benn on December 13, 1931 in Eustis, Florida. She was the sixth of sixteen children. An Alumnus of Eustis Vocational High School, Alberta strongly believed in academic and educational excellence, further proven by her standing as valedictorian of her class. She continued her pursuit of higher education lacking only a few credits of completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work with a specialization in Geriatrics at Wayne State University. As a young lady, Alberta moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with her sister Mattie. There she met and married Harold Duke Edwards, Sr. on May 17, 1952. To this union, four children were born, Harold, Jr. (Alice), Sharon Dee, Dawn (Larry) and Ernst. Recognizing and valuing the blessing of motherhood, she embraced the rewards and challenges of being both a mother and grandmother. Instead of focusing on continuing her own education, her time and energy was used to educate and nurture her children accordingly, especially her grandchildren. Alberta loved spending time with her grandchildren; she was often known to babysit all eight grandchildren at once. During these times, they enjoyed many adventures, such as catching the bus around town to various venues and on occasion Canada. Some of her other hobbies included gardening, fishing, and playing scrabble, so much so she often challenged herself in solo competitions. Alberta’s dedication and love towards people extended beyond her family and into the surrounding community, translating into various service endeavors. She truly believed that children are our future and instilled the importance of community service within her children as well. For instance, her children were often utilized as “grocery runners” for the elderly. Moreover, her volunteerism included: the American Red Cross, Block Club Secretary, monthly grocery shopping trips organizer for several senior citizen apartments, and the Election Poll worker for more than 15 years-all while working full time. Over the course of her professional career she worked for the US Postal Service and served as the executive assistant to the Producer of “For My People”, a local Detroit Community television show. One of her greatest career achievements, among many other awards and accolades, was the management of the Tindal Consumer Education Institute (Consumer Research Advisory Council); a Wayne State University extension center that prepared high school graduates to attend colleges. Affecting the lives of many, Alberta loved life and vibrantly exuded her love and support for friends and family. She will be forever remembered for her many teachable moments living in their memories. On Wednesday, June 4, 2014, she was called home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Duke Edwards, Sr., parents, Anderson and Mamie Benn, son, Ernst, eleven siblings, Mattie, Anderson Jr., James, Margaret, Moses, Lillie Mae, Mary, Jack, John and Rosetta; one grandchild, Harold, II. Alberta leaves to honor and cherish her memory: five siblings, Arthur Lee, Loistine, Nathaniel, Martha and Harry; three children: Harold Jr. (Alice), Sharon Dee, Dawn (Larry); eight grandchildren: LaKrista, Roscoe III, Andre, Courtney, Dominique, Bryant, Lauren, and Matthew; seven great-grandchildren: LaPortia, Diamond, Nyashashia, Iyonna, Quincy, Quian and Ahni; two great-great grandchildren: Amiyah and Xavier.

Tributes

Alberta Lola Lestina Benn Edwards

December 13, 1931 - June 4, 2014