Clara Rebecca Edwards

Clara Rebecca Edwards was born on February 14, 1938 in Pawleys Island, SC.  She was the eldest of six children born to the late Herman and Susan Grant.  She was preceded in death by her brother Herman Grant Jr., and sisters Mary Francis Thomas and Thomasena Davis.

She was a graduate of Howard High School in Georgetown, SC.  Shortly after graduating, she relocated to New York where she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for Brooklyn Memorial Hospital.  She later returned to South Carolina and was employed as a Cafeteria Assistant for Bynum Elementary School in Georgetown, SC. 

In 1959 she moved to San Diego, California and was later joined by her sisters.  She met and married James Henry Edwards and settled here raising their children. During her earlier years in San Diego she worked in the Hospitality Industry for the El Cortez, U.S. Grant, and Hyatt Hotels.  Clara dedicated her life to serving others.  She worked as an In-Home Care Provider for many years, and later returned to nursing where she was employed at Golden Hill Convalescent Home and Mission Hills Residential Care Facility where she continued to use her formal training and experience in health care taking care of many patients and providing service to others, throughout San Diego County.

In her spare time her hobbies included traveling, playing bingo, cooking and spending time with her family.  She loved sharing fond memories of her childhood, teen, and young adult years and was especially reminiscent of her early friendships and experiences in New York and California. 

At an early age she was baptized at St. Mary AME Church in Pawleys Island, SC.  She joined Bethel Memorial AME Church under the late Rev. James Oxley and enjoyed attending service with her children.  She assisted in the Young Peoples Department (YPD) and Youth Usher Board helping with sewing uniforms and fund raising activities.  She also served as a faithful member of the Ladies Aide Guild.  She was ultimately appointed as a Stewardess and was proud to prepare for communion.  

Affectionately known to her family and friends as Sis, Mom, Honey Bunch, and Lil Lady, she showed love and compassion to everyone she met.  She was especially known and will be remembered for her kisses and her kind loving spirit.

She leaves to cherish fond memories, her children Mrs. Jeannette Williams of San Diego; Mrs. Elaine McDonald (Derek) of Mobile, AL; Ms. Verneal Edwards (Duane) and Mrs. Sheena Jennings (Timothy) of San Diego, CA; Mr. Wesley Edwards (Cremona) of Arlington, TX; Mr. Charles Baylor of Long Beach, CA; Ms. Valerie Edwards of Remmington, VA; Mr. Gary Edwards of Fort Worth, TX; Mr. Kevin Williams and Mr. Carey Williams of San Diego.  Three sisters, Ms. Jodell Grant of National City, CA; Mrs. Robert Ann Blake of Pawleys Island, SC; and Mrs. Deloris Butler of Chula Vista, CA.  One brother-in-law Mr. Ernest Butler of Las Vegas, NV; and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Bernice Grant of Pawleys Island, SC.  Sixteen Grandchildren and eight Great Grandchildren, who she loved and was extremely proud of.   The love of her life for over 38 years, Mr. Bobby Williams of San Diego; And, a host of many relatives and close friends who for her were just like family.

Our family would like to express our deepest and sincere appreciation for your words of encouragement during our mother’s illness.  Your love was certainly felt through the many cards, calls, and visits, but most of all through your prayers.  You all hold a special place in our hearts, not just for the love shown to our mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt but also because you opened your hearts to allow her love to touch yours.  Special thanks to Sharp Chula Vista for your support, and in assisting in the care, and medical needs of  loved one.  Her strong faith and the love of Christ sustained her until God called her to be with Him.  Last but not least, to Rev. Vaughn and the entire Bethel AME Church family, we want to express our gratitude for all that you have done to make this most difficult time a little lighter.