Carol Ann Edwards

Carol Ann Edwards (nee McQueen), age 89, a longtime resident of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023.  She was born on November 15, 1933 in Nashville, Tennessee, the beloved daughter of the late David Eaton McQueen and Rufie Lee Bearden McQueen, older sister to David McQueen (John) and Joseph McQueen (Paula), beloved wife for 65 years to the late William (Bill) Agler Edwards, dear mother of Eve Megargel (Matthew), Karen Friedman (Dennis), Leslie Biederman (Scott), and William Edwards (Ashley), devoted grandmother of Alexander Caulfield (Kelsey), Benjamin Megargel (Ashley), Matthew Biederman, William Megargel, Elizabeth Biederman, and dearest great grandmother to Jane Edwards Caulfield and William Jack Caulfield.  Ms. Edwards was the valedictorian for the class of 1952 at Central High School in Nashville.  A national debate champion in high school who was voted by her peers as “Most Likely to Succeed,” Carol earned an academic scholarship to attend Vanderbilt University. While attending Vanderbilt, Ms. Edwards studied English and developed the foundation for a lifelong love of English literature.  She also met her husband to be and Best Friend of 65 years in Bill while at Vanderbilt. 

After relocating to Cleveland and while helping Bill raise a family, Carol volunteered as the co-President of the Monticello Junior High School PTA.  She also worked as a Community Relations Assistant and Coordinator of the Community Relations Department for the City of Cleveland Heights.  Carol’s work experience with the City of Cleveland Heights ultimately led her to seek an elected position as a Cleveland Heights Council Member.  Ms. Edwards served on City Council for 16 years.  During that time period, Carol served as Mayor for 5 years and Vice-Mayor for 4 years.  She was also a long time elder at Euclid Avenue Christian Church (now known as the Disciples Christian Church).  While at Euclid Avenue Christian Church, Carol was instrumental in helping several refugee families immigrate to the United States from Cambodia.

Known as “Granny” to her grandchildren, Carol was kind, loyal, resilient, and known for her infectious optimism.  She volunteered with Bill at Meals on Wheels, was a voracious reader, and was known for her well written and sentimental birthday cards.  Her favorite poet was Mary Oliver. 

The family would like to thank all of the staff and personnel at the Crane House in South Franklin Circle for their professionalism, kindness, and treatment of our Mother.

A private family service will be held in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute to: The Lurie Center for Autism at Massachusetts General Hospital https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism/lurie-center

ARRANGEMENTS BY MAHER-MELBOURNE FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHEAST OHIO