Lucille Edwards

Our dear mother, Lucille (King) Edwards, passed peacefully on May 2nd at the age of 95 with her family by her side. Lucille was born in Oklahoma to the late Willis and Louisa King and was the 5th in line of 11 children. Growing up in Oklahoma, she once had to pack her lunch and commandeer a “two row monitor horse and wagon with 4 horses” on a 5 mile trek at the tender age of 12. Her “normal” chores included working in the fields with her brothers on the family farm and helping her mother with meal preparation for her siblings before trekking off to school. At age 13, Lucille migrated with her family to California where she met, and later married, Elbert. After trying their hand at farming, working together in the fields picking cotton and grapes, they moved to Riverdale where they both went to work for the school district. After working as a cafeteria cook for 14 years, Lucille re-discovered her talent for sewing pretty much anything and opened up an upholstery shop in Riverdale, where she upholstered everything from tractor seats and car interiors to church pews and theater curtains. After a successful 20 years she sold her business to devote herself to the care of Elbert. An amazing caretaker, Lucille lovingly cared for him when Parkinson’s Disease ravaged his body until his passing in 1988. She also provided care for her dear sisters, Willie Belle and Annie, who both struggled with cancer. With all this sorrow, Lucille’s faith in God was unwavering. She was a regular attendee at the First Church of God until her own health prevented her from going.

Lucille and Elbert had three children, Irene Pellouso (husband Joe), Dale Edwards (wife Sue) and Janice Vink. Lucille’s grandchildren are Mark Giesbrecht (wife Kim and daughter Courtney), Jennie Edwards, Theresa Edwards (son Mitchell), David Edwards (wife Debbie, daughter Karissa, son Austin), Kyle Edwards (wife Koneechia, sons Colton and Joshua), Christine Dufond (son Jake, daughter Luci), Jonathan Vink (daughter Mia), Rich Vink and “adopted” granddaughter Enola Baro. Lucille was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Elbert and her second husband, Glenn Edwards. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Sam King, Annie Maddox, Davis King, Autry King, Willie Belle Sansom, Helen Freitas, and Daniel King. She is survived by brothers Jack King, Robert King, Clyde King, numerous nieces and nephews, extended church and family members, and many friends. Lucille was looked to by all as a spiritual guide and family matriarch who was the surrogate mom/grandma to all who lost their own. Mom was strong, courageous, humble, smart, forgiving and loved her family with all her heart.

Services are Monday, May 15th 1pm at the First Church of God on 3920 N. First Street in Fresno, with reception following. Viewing will be Saturday, May 13th from 2 – 4pm at Peoples Chapel in Hanford. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or a charity of your choice.