Clara McCauley Edwards

Clara Janet McCauley (Walden) Edwards passed away peacefully on July 24, 2022 at Morningside of Raleigh. She was born in Durham to the late Andrew Matthew McCauley and Flora Harton McCauley. Clara grew up in Chapel Hill until the family moved to Raleigh in the mid-1940’s. She attended Broughton High School (‘58) and Meredith College.

Strong-minded, determined, and independent, Clara was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a dedicated civil servant, retiring from the National Center for Health Statistics after more than 30 years of service. After her retirement she dedicated much of her time to uncovering her family history with her cousin David Neville. Together, they traced the McCauley ancestry to the American Revolution and as far back as their Irish roots. She took great pride in her family’s ancestry, particularly their role in making the land grant to establish the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Luther Monroe Edwards, Jr.; her brother, Milton H. McCauley; and her nephew, Milton Brandon McCauley. She is survived by her son, Ash Edwards; daughter, Melanie Walden Smith and son-in-law, Wayne Smith; grandchildren, Jackson Monroe Edwards, Berklee Bryan Edwards, Benjamin McCauley Smith (Lakgen), Charles David Smith; and great-grandson, Owen Joseph Freelin. Clara is also survived by her brothers, William Robert McCauley and Andrew Matthew McCauley, Jr.; and sisters-in-law, Sallie McCauley and Tammy McCauley. As well she leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A private memorial service will be held for the family at a future time.

The family would like to thank Morningside of Raleigh, Rex Hospital, Rex Home Health, Heartland Hospice, and Bayada Home Health for their compassionate care.

Anyone wishing to honor Clara’s memory is encouraged to make donations in her name to the American Heart Association, Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh, NC State College of Education, or the charity of your choice.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.