Maisie Rose Edwards

Mama ∙ Ma Eddie ∙ Audie ∙ Grandma ∙ Grams ∙ Queen Maisie

Maisie Rose Edwards was often described as “the strongest woman I know.” Born in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica W.I. on September 28, 1924, Maisie was raised by her paternal grandparents Elizabeth “Lizzie” and Henry Davey and then by her father, Simeon Davey and stepmother, Irene Davey. Although Maisie grew up poor and barely had a middle school education, she strongly believed in the power of education to uplift and carry a person through life. At a young age, Maisie moved to Port Antonio, Portland where she met her husband Allan B. Edwards (deceased). She joined him in running the dry goods store he owned. As Allan did a lot of seasonal migrant work, Maisie was often left alone to manage 7 rambunctious children – Alvin (Jackie), Orville Sr. (Hyacinth), Winsome, Marcia (Harry), Ann, Hewrich (deceased) and Jascinth. Maisie was always adamant about her children receiving the best education possible! Maisie Rose was a protective mother, as well as a fearsome disciplinarian, who would just as soon ring your ears as she was to offer you love.

Wherever she went, Maisie beautified any space she occupied. Family friends in Port Antonio recall the beautiful garden she created in front of the family home. When Maisie immigrated to Brooklyn, NY in 1976, she continued this tradition and was known throughout the neighborhood for her beautiful flower garden. Maisie was a housekeeper at Lexington Hotel for 17 years, and she passed her work ethic and flair for fashion on to her grandchildren: Omar, Peter (Arlene), Raycent, Orville Jr. (Sasha), Dwayne, Lisanne (Ilan), Kalisha, Gillian, Andrea (George), John, Raymond (Sequoia), Dyanne (Harrah), Jennifer, Tamika, Alex and Nia. Maisie was very diligent about keeping up with her grandchildren and ensuring that each of them knew they were loved.

Not one to stay still for a long period of time, Maisie was always active even when she retired – volunteering at a nursing home, taking the train or bus to go shopping at Kings Plaza or Macy’s, or visiting her many friends in the neighborhood. In 2013, due to health issues, Maisie moved down to Florida where she entered the twilight period of her life. Although she missed the energy and fast pace of the city, she came to appreciate the more relaxed pace of life in Florida, and the fact that she could have even more green space for her ever-present flowers and plants.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan; her 3 brothers, Rafael, Albert, and Noel; and her son, Hewrich. Maisie Rose is survived by her younger brother, Mervin Davey; her 6 children; 16 grandchildren; her 14 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many close family friends.

Maisie Rose lived a full and wonderful life and will always be an inspiration to all who knew her. Her legacy and memory will live on forever.