Ella Lee

Edwards

Ella Edwards was born on June 23, 1936 and transitioned on October 9, 2026. Born in Margaret, Alabama to the late Leslie Sr. and the late Rosie Bell (McMillan) Cook. She came from a small close-knit family and was the 2nd youngest of 4 children.

Ella spent her formative years in Alabama, living with her parents and was educated in the Alabama School System. She moved to Toledo to be with her sister Alice Jones. In 1955, she met her soon-to-be husband Jefferson Edwards at a party and it was love at first sight. They married soon after on December 19, 1959. To this union six children were born, three girls and three boys. She worked at a hotel in Toledo, called Commodore Perry, until it closed and afterwards, she worked for Kellermeyer Building Services until the time of her retirement. She also took care of her grandchildren while her children worked. Ella's cooking was legendary. Just ask about her sweet potato pie and dressing. Sunday dinner was a big part of her family's life.

Ella accepted Christ at an early age. She found her church home in Toledo at Indiana Avenue Missionary Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. John E. Roberts. She participated in choir, J.V. Prince Guild, and the Mother's Board. Her membership lasted over 60 years until she could no longer attend church due to physical limitations and health issues, as well as taking care of her husband until his passing.

Ella was always interested in learning new things. In her later years she completed computer classes and provided respite care for foster children. When her health was good, she and her granddaughter would walk with her neighbor Mrs.Mays.

Ella was a talker and loved meeting new people. It was not unusual for extra people to be at her dinner table. She also kept up with the lingo of her children and grandchildren when they were teenagers. Ella was a also a shopper and a spender. One of her closest bonds was with her sister Alice and sister-in-law Delores Cook.

Ella was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Jefferson Edwards Sr. (d. 2024), her father, Leslie Cook Sr (d. 1985) and mother, Rosie Belle Cook (d. 1992), two brothers, Leslie "Mane" Cook Jr. and Robert "Buddy" Cook (d. 1998), and one sister, Alice Jones (d. 2000). She is also preceded in death by her grand daughter LaTonya Edwards (d. 2023) and her baby girl Anitra Lynette Harper (d.2024)

Ella is survived by her children Jeff Edwards Jr, Ruby Lighten, Stanley Edwards, Gary Edwards, Alicia Edwards of Manvel Texas, 7 grandchildren; Tiffiany Lighten, Jeremy Edwards (Meggan), Brandilyn Dixon (John), Stanley Edwards, Jr. (Ayanna), Micayla Edwards, Jefferson Edwards III and Journee Edwards, and 4 great grandchildren: Jeremy Edwards, Jaylen Edwards, Adrienna and James Dixon. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews in Toledo, Detroit and Alabama.

In every lifetime we choose you Momma and Dad. Sorry to see you go but happy you are reunited.