Frances Elaine Edwards

Frances Elaine Edwards was born on June 19, 1941, as the sixth of nine children to the loving union of Herbert and Sylvia Cartwright.  She was educated in the Cleveland Public School System graduating from John Hay Highschool in 1961.

In high school Frances met the love of her life Donald Edwards, known as “Doonie”. The couple married on April 10, 1963  and to this union one child was born, Kali Edwards.  Doonie and Frances were a shining example of a great marriage, they were devoted to one another and made a great team in life and in business.  After 23 years of marriage Frances became a widow .  While never re-marrying, she put her focus on serving and contributing to others.

Frances’ first job was working for Hough Supply in the accounting department.  However Frances was ambitious, having an entrepreneurial spirit and wise business sense.  This led her to be a trailblazer in the local business arena, being one of the first African Americans and few women in the electrical contracting and supply fields.  In the 80’s & 90’s Frances was the proprietor of Edwards Janitorial Supply, Burkes-Edwards Electric, Edwards & Associates, The Chagrin Bar, and several other home-based ventures.  Because of Frances’ diverse business experience, she was able to give people job opportunities and encouraged others to start their own businesses as well.

As driven as Frances was in business, she also had an active social life.   In her younger years she was a member of both a tennis club and racquetball club. Frances was also an avid bowler participating in several tournaments and bowling in multiple leagues. She was also a member of The World Peace Rhythm Project where she played the African drums.

Fran was known for her great taste and eye for style. Her hair was her crown and glory, she was meticulous with its styling and coloring.  Frances also had an artistic eye and loved to collect.   She would scour stores and markets searching for unique art pieces, decor, jewelry, clothing and furnishings.  She adored all things “African” owning a small collection of African Djembe-Djun drums, African masks and Sculptural art pieces.  Frances also cherished her vast vintage jazz record collection.

Frances also had a heart for service, always volunteering and quick to extend a helping hand.  She was a surrogate mother and family member to many and was often affectionately referred to as “Auntie”.  Her love of children was special, constantly offering to babysit, to drive and to attend “the kids” games  and recitals.  She was known to be the one you could count on, continually giving sage advice and wise counsel to anyone in need.  In early retirement Frances took pleasure in caring for others as a childcare provider, home-health aide and eldercare provider.

Upon full retirement, Frances moved to California to live with her daughter. While there she joined City of Refuge Church.  She was a faithful member volunteering in the food pantry & clothing distribution and was affectionately called “Mother”.  Frances spent her last years enjoying church activities, attending film society screenings, going to jazz concerts and participating in social events.

Frances was truly a remarkable woman, forging her own path, living by her own rules while reaching back to lift up those that came after her. “Well done good and faithful servant.”

She is preceded in death by her parents Herbert & Sylvia Cartwright. Her beloved husband Donald Edwards and mother-in-law Verdell Farmer.   Sisters: Mildred Clark, Vivian Wesley, Gloria Philips, Sylvia Brown and Shirley Cartwright. Brothers, Herbert Cartwright Jr and Arthur J. Cartwright. Nephews: Naamon Wesley, Michael Wesley, Henry Phillips Jr and Richard Clark II.

Frances leaves to cherish in loving memory her daughter Kali Edwards, brother Leonard Cartwright (Mary), brother-in-law Clarence Edwards (Mary) and Sister in-law Carolyn Malone.  Nieces and Nephews: Iris Anderson, Rene Robinson, Darryl Clark, Eileen Wesley, Vivian Anderson, Debra Batson, Cynthia Lewis, Dwayne Phillips, Renita Brown, Leroy Brown Jr, Eric Duncan, Erica Cartwright, William F. Jones III, Herbert Cartwright, Tamara Pitts, Nevelyn Dumas, Chris Edwards, Kayce Edwards, Stacy Malone, Jahmal Edwards and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews.  Additionally, she will be dearly missed by her many close friends and acquaintances.

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