Helen attended Indiana University where she met and married Sylvester Edwards. While raising their 8 children, Helen earned BA and MA degrees in Education from Arizona Teachers College (ASU) and NOVA Southeastern University (NSU), respectively. Both Helen and Sylvester were dedicated educators. During Helen's early career, she worked for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Dept. where she taught arts and crafts. Later, she taught Special Education and ESL classes in Guadalupe and in the Tempe Elementary School District until her retirement.
After retirement, Helen traveled extensively and remained active by participating in adult classes in the arts, performance, and dance. She was also an avid Toastmistress, who excelled at writing and delivering speeches, and she performed to acclaim in numerous speech contests.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Burnell Wake, Delcie Merchant, Alma Stewart and Arthur Wake. Helen is survived by 8 children who will cherish her memory: Sharon Edwards, Delcie Williamson (Scott), Sylvester A. Edwards, Helen Marsh (Elbert), Sylvia Percy, Patricia Williams (Walter), Carolyn Edwards and Michael Edwards. Helen leaves behind numerous beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on April 28, 2018, at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 West Northern Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301. Visitation viewing is at 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. and a reception later that afternoon.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5