Beverly Louise Edwards

Beverly Louise Edwards, affectionately known as “Aunt Bee”, " and “Boots,” passed away on October 2, 2026, at 12:36 a.m., at the age of 91. She lived with determination, deep faith, and a generous love that made room for everyone she called her own.

Bee was born at home in Kentucky on July 18, 1935, to Ina and Ruble Edwards, tobacco farmers who raised her in a home that did not yet have an indoor bathroom. It was a time when babies arrived first and birth certificates sometimes came later. When her father took a job at Oldsmobile, the family moved to Michigan, though weekends still brought them back to Kentucky to sucker and dry tobacco. Michigan became home, but Kentucky—and her love for her daddy—never left her heart.

Bee’s determination started young. Born Beverly Helen Edwards, she disliked her given middle name enough to legally change it to Beverly Louise Edwards at 18. Even then, Bee knew what she wanted—and saw no reason she shouldn’t have it.

Aunt Bee was an inspiration to many. She knew how to speak up for herself, advocate for what she needed, and make her intentions known. In true Aunt Bee fashion, she was still planning to get out of the nursing home, get her ears pierced again, and keep watching her babies grow. She always had something more she wanted to do.

The great loves of Bee’s life were not necessarily the traditional kind. At the center was her beloved niece, Debbie, whom she loved and supported as a mother would throughout her life. Every time Debbie brought someone new into the family, Bee found someone new to wrap in that love: Norm, Lindsey, Jessie, Cora, Byron, Annie, Jeff, Josie, Lucy, and Lydia. Her babies were her greatest joy, although the family cannot say for certain whether they ever outranked her tremendous love for her daddy or her own cousin, Okie Jean Scott of Kentucky.

Bee was a woman ahead of her time. At General Motors, she led teams of men who respected her, looked out for her, and perhaps feared her just a little. When life handed her a lemon, those were often the people she turned to for support. They knew her well enough to worry about what retirement might mean for a woman who thrived on being busy and surrounded by people. So, when she retired, they pooled their money and gave her a Chihuahua.

That gift continued another great love of her life. Her Chihuahuas were everything to her, each cherished and outfitted in handmade, embroidered winter jackets—preferably leopard print.

Bee’s life was full of interests and unmistakable flair. She attended services for many years at the Tabernacle, loved line dancing, and mastered machine embroidery. If there was a logo she wanted to reproduce, she could usually figure it out; trademark rules rarely troubled her creative process.

Her rules for life were simple: love big, live big, never use the cheap buttermilk in homemade ranch, eat good steak, buy your jewelry at Cameron’s, and don’t be afraid to throw your Christmas gifts at loved ones.

A woman of great faith, Bee looked forward to a reunion with her mother, Ina Edwards, née Fisk; her daddy, Ruble Edwards; her sister, Bobbie Jean Copes; and her beloved cousin, Okie Jean Scott.

She leaves behind her cherished family, her babies, her cousin Vicki Harvell, and a wide circle of friends. Her family offers special gratitude to Hope Burton and Carrie Thompson for their devoted friendship, love, and care. Their dedication meant so much to Bee and to those who loved her.

Her family is also deeply grateful to the dedicated, loving neighbors of Tangle Town who looked out for her, hung Christmas lights, watched for an open curtain, and came over whenever something heavy needed lifting—especially Terry. Their kindness helped her remain part of the neighborhood she loved.

Aunt Bee leaves her family with stories they will keep telling, rules they will keep quoting, and the memory of being loved fiercely and completely.

Visitation will be held at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081, on October 13, 2026, from 11:00 am until a Service at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, Clinton Township, Michigan.