Clara Mae Edwards was born on March 15, 1921 to Arthur Edison and Madie L (Ogden) Edison in McRoberts, Kentucky. She departed this life on November 26, 2017 under the care of her family. At the age of about 7 months Arthur died in a mining accident. Madie then moved to Bellaire, Ohio to be with family and to raise her young daughter. When Clara was 2 years old, Madie fell in love with Johnson J. Gibson and they were married. In those days a child took the name of the father who raised them, so Clara became Clara Gibson. Johnson was daddy to her until his death. Madie departed this life several years later. Clara was the oldest of 10 children. She often stated that being the oldest of ten made her feel like was their second mother. As a child, Clara also changed her name from Clara Madie to Clara Mae and her very loving mom never said a word.

Clara married Thomas J. Edwards and together they raised four children, while lending a helping hand, hot meal and often shelter to several other family members. Her children are Paul M. Edwards (Betty), Cassandra L. Jenkins, Jacqueline D. Little (William) and Bradford J. Edwards (Deceased). They also would offer their home as a place of celebration for family weddings and get together.

Clara always wanted to be a doctor but funds were not available. In 1966 she went to nursing school and graduated at the top of her class and also achieved the highest score the nursing exam.

Joining her mother and father in death, were her brothers James Gibson, Daniel Gibson, Richmond Gibson and her sister Nellah Margaret Jones. Clara leaves to mourn her, a brother Allen Gibson (Joyce) and four sisters, Ruth Johnson, Flora Young, Helen Jeter, and Juanita Taylor.

Clara loved God from a very early age but she never wanted to marry a preacher because she saw the sacrifice her mom had to make after her daddy accepted his call, she put on her smile, picked up her bible and away they went serving whatever God would send them. Until health made it necessary for her move to Twinsburg, even after God called Thomas home, she continues to serve wherever and whenever called upon.

Clara leaves a loving family to mourn her, which includes 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.