Elizabeth Jean Edwards

Elizabeth Jean Grimes Edwards was born on January 6, 1943, to Dale E. and Elizabeth Kincade Grimes in Jacksonville, Florida. She grew up with her brother, Robert, and sister, Margaret. Throughout her childhood, the family lived in Florida and Arkansas before finally settling in Lubbock, Texas, where Elizabeth graduated from Monterey High School. She went on to earn her degree from Texas Tech University and continued her education in Valencia, Spain.

In 1966, Elizabeth married Robert (Bob) Edwards. Together, they traveled extensively, living in El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and ultimately settling in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Although Maryland was home for 51 years, Elizabeth especially cherished the year and a half the family spent living in Morocco, an experience that broadened their horizons and enriched their lives. She recently moved this year to Wyomissing, Pennsylvania to be closer to family.

A gifted educator, Elizabeth’s primary passion was history, but she also taught geography, social science, and science over the years. Her teaching career included positions in New Deal, Texas; Severn School in Severna Park, Maryland; and Rabat American School in Rabat, Morocco.

After retiring from teaching, Elizabeth worked as a community program manager for WFBR radio in Baltimore and as a representative for silk flower retail distribution.

In retirement, she found great joy in spending time with her family, her children, grandchildren, nieces, and great-nephew and niece.

Elizabeth’s other passion was P.E.O. She was a dedicated member since 1962 in Chapter DP, Texas, and was committed to the organization’s mission of motivating, celebrating, and educating women. She served on the committee for the international convention in 1999, was Maryland State President from 2001 to 2002, and was most recently a member of Chapter G, Maryland.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother. She is survived by her son, Lewis Edwards (wife Paige and grandson William of Dallas, TX); her daughter, Marnell McCarthy (husband Donald and granddaughter Erin of West Reading, PA); grandson Robert (fiancée Haley of Austin, TX); sister-in-law Jola Edwards of Austin, TX; niece Anne Thurwalker (husband Sam and children Jack and Grace); niece Catherine Grimes; and many cousins and dear friends.

The family would like to sincerely thank the care team and staff of Country Meadows and Laurel Center for their exceptional care of Elizabeth over the last several months. We are forever grateful for their dedication and support.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Elizabeth’s life at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, 1 2nd Avenue SW, Glen Burnie, MD, on Tuesday, December 30, from 4–7 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the P.E.O. Foundation or Cottey College (https://www.peointernational.org/make-a-gift/).