Crispus Attucks High School

Mary Jane Campbell Edwards, 81 was born to Dorothy Mae Flenough Campbell and Lee Andrew Jackson Campbell in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was an only child.

Mary Jane graduated from Crispus Attucks High School at the age of 16. On June 20, 1944 she was united in marriage to the late Robert L. Edwards. From this union came four children. Two children, Sandra Lee and Robert L. Jr., preceded her in death.

Mrs. Edwards was a member of Northside New Era Missionary Baptist Church since 1963. She loved singing in the Woman?s Choir and was known for her wit and love of learning, a trait she passed down to her heirs. Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Joyce (John) Moore, and Janice Gardner; grandsons, John Jr. (Rachel) Moore, Jason L. (Keisha) Moore, and Justin Moore; granddaughters, Cecilia Edwards, and Saundra R. (George) Gilbert; a host of relatives, church family and friends.

Her Tribute and Legacy
Our mother (Ms. Mary Jane, her name from the old neighborhood) was unique. Some say she was an ?Acquired Taste.? Most things rare and valuable generally are so. She led a very simple life. She was loving, honest, intelligent, humble and witty. Her career was her family. She was our first teacher, friend, advocate, critic, cheerleader, coach, and role model. She explained the importance of family, what a mother should be, and how important it is to have a moral compass. She taught us to stand up and be proud, to be adventurous, to help others, to ask questions, and dare to dream big. She cultivated in us a love of learning, music, art, dance, poetry - and skating. She instilled in us the importance of reading, being a life long learner, and to be open to change.

The most important thing she taught is how to love. She let us know no one is perfect or indispensable. That you can recover from mistakes. We know what is important to live a full life. It is our duty to embody and pass on her teachings and gifts, especially that of the commitment of love. Some may consider she had a small life, but from this simple woman, who led a such a life, has come: an entrepreneur and teacher, a civil servant; a published author, cartoonist and artist, solid citizens, a Naval officer and corporate executive; an architect, professor, and city planner; a marketing professional, world travelers and . . . .

This is our tribute to our mother and this is her legacy. Pass it on!
- Joyce & Janice