Born in New Orleans on September 21, 1923, she grew up in Baton Rouge, LA. The daughter of the late Caesare and Mary Laverne Maestri, she was the youngest of five children. She was preceded in death siblings Melia, Natale, Laverne and Mildred
Clara graduated from Baton Rouge High School and attended Louisiana State University during World War II where she met Don and they were married on August 16, 1947.
Clara was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Athens, a dedicated volunteer and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and a member of PEO.
Clara was a very private person with a big warm heart and her family came first. She was heavily involved in numerous charities. She enjoyed cooking big meals and hosting dinner parties. She collected Lladro’s, Waterford Crystal and silver mini spoons.
Survivors include her husband of 66 years, James Don Edwards; son Jim and wife Shelley, and four granddaughters, Chelsea, Hannah, Kate and Ashley.
Visitation will be Saturday January 11, 2014 beginning at 1:00 in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church Athens. The service will follow at 2:00 in the sanctuary. A private burial will be held at Oconee Hills Cemetery. All services will be officiated by Rev. Paul Baxley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests the memorial contributions be made in Clara Edwards’ name to the Caesare and Mary Laverne Maestri Scholarship Fund at the University of Georgia, which provides scholarships for students in the Terry College of Business, to the First Baptist Church of Athens Children’s Playground Fund, or to the East Lake Foundation, 2575 Alston Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317.
Online condolences may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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