Joan Sanders Edwards

1924 ∼ 2015

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Funeral services for Joan Sanders Edwards, 90, of Beaumont, will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Chapel. Interment will follow in Haven of Rest Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday from 4-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Joan Sanders Edwards came to Beaumont in 1948 as a bride and has lived here 66 years. Joan was born in Malakoff on Thanksgiving Day November 27, 1924. She started to school at Rice, Texas and graduated from High School at Waskom, Texas in 1942. She went to College of Marshall and graduated in 1944. After graduation she went to Washington D.C. and worked for the Navy Dept. When she came home she enrolled at East Texas Teachers College at Commerce, Texas and graduated from there in 1947. She taught at Detroit, Texas for 3 years.

In Beaumont she stayed home for 8 years to raise her 2 sons – Bobby and James Edwards. In 1956 she started her teaching career at Junker school in Kindergarten. She taught at B .I.S.D. for 28 years teaching Kindergarten at Eugene Field, Edwards and French Elementary schools, ending at Field for last 20 years.

Joan was an avid sports fan. She went to every game her sons were involved with. When her grandsons were born, Dustin & Kaz, she went to all their games, especially Soccer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, R.M. (Bob) Edwards of 47 years, her parents, J.C.R. and Eula Bell (Roan) Sanders, 2 brothers, James R. Sanders, killed n World War 11, John Henry Sanders and sister, Mary Beth (Becky) Adams from Columbus Georgia

She is survived by two sons, Robert M. “Bobby” Edwards, Jr. and wife, Jamie of Austin, James Edwards and wife, Pamala of Beaumont; 2 grand sons and daughters-in-law, Dustin and Alison Edwards of Houston, Kaz and Mary Edwards of Houston; and 3 great-grandchildren, Sean Edwards, Ali Edwards and Mattie Edwards.

Condolences

Melissa Peeler Jorden January 9, 2015

My heartfelt prayers to all the family. Mrs. Edwards was my Kindergarten teacher at Eugene Field in 1967-68. She made learning interesting and fun. I remember so much from that year, but especially the way she made us all feel. I loved learning and she had a lot to do with that. Just a few years ago I was able to tell her just how much she meant to me and how special it was to have her as my first teacher. She still remembered so much from that time also. It was amazing to actually let her know how much she meant to so many of us. She will always be remembered with the highest regard and utmost love and appreciation.

Connie Thomasson January 9, 2015

Dear James, I just heard about your Mom. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and your Family at this time. Your Mom was such a sweet Lady. It was always a pleasure when she'd come by the office to see you because she always took the time to stop and talk and share a smile and a laugh. I pray God's Peace & Strength for you and all her loved ones. Connie Thomasson

Claybar Funeral Home January 8, 2015

Claybar Funeral Homes created a Tribute Video in memory of Joan Sanders Edwards

Kim Freitas January 8, 2015

Dear James and Bobby and family, We are sorry we cannot be with you at this time of need. We are thinking of you. This has hit my Mother hard. She is wishing she could be with the family now. She is, of course, at 93 not able to. She has been ill ever since she heard about Aunt Joan. She has many kind and loving stories and memories about your Mother. God be with you and with the entire family. We love you all! Kim, Dan, Aunt Tops and family....

Allyson Brown Wells January 8, 2015

Rest in peace, Mrs. Edwards! You were my first teacher! I was in the afternoon kindergarten class at Edwards; that's where I met James. To this day, there are aspects of my teaching that were based on what you did and said, and, above all, how you treated us. Thank you! I am honored to have gotten my start from you!

Claybar Funeral Home January 8, 2015

28 files added to the album LifeTributes

Terry Allen Harper January 7, 2015

Mrs. Edwards was my kindergarten teacher and my son's. She also lived across the street from us. Many, many fond memories. My heart goes out to James and Bobby. Terry Allen Harper

Annette Vela January 7, 2015

What a wonderful woman and teacher. I was in her Kindergarten class around 1968 at Eugene Field. She has left behind a grand legacy. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for her and will always remember her fondly.

Karla Richardson January 7, 2015

Great teacher and great neighbor. Prayers for the family. Karla (Mitchell) Richardson.

Dennis And Janis Young January 7, 2015

Bobby and James, Our prayers are with you and your families. Your mom was always smiling and laughing , even when she was ill, she smiled. What good times we had in junior high and high school and your mom was always around cheering the teams on. We will all miss her especially my mom and all the church family at North End! Our parents were and are a great generation! Love, Dennis and Janis Young

Rosalind Gillespie January 7, 2015

Mrs. Edwards was mine and my brother's kindergarten teacher at Eugene Field Elementary. I will always remember her as a great teacher. I had the privilege of seeing her again when I had checked my son into kindergarten and she was there helping with registration. We will all miss you. Rosalind (Garland) Gillespie

Pat Knox January 7, 2015

I was secretary at Sallie Curtis for 12 years beginning in 1988. She was the most wonderful substitute teacher anyone could hope for! She would even agree to 1st or 2nd grade when I was in a pinch (she really loved Kindergarten). She knitted animals for every occasion and she meant so much to me. Several years ago, I ran into her at the West End Little League park. How lucky her family was to have such a wonderful lady among them. May God bless you all and bring you peace. Love to Ms. Edwards!

Denise Desoto January 7, 2015

Denise Desoto lit a candle in memory of Joan Sanders Edwards

Doris Myrick January 7, 2015

Doris Myrick sent a virtual gift in memory of Joan Sanders Edwards

Anonymous January 7, 2015

Pink Tribute Spray was purchased for the family of Joan Sanders Edwards.

Claybar Funeral Home January 7, 2015

48 files added to the album LifeTributes

Laura Moyer January 6, 2015

Joan was very happy to substitute when I was on maternity leave with my second child. She was always great with the students and I didn't have to worry about anything! The students also always loved the pins she made for every holiday! We miss her but know she is now in heaven-prayers for her family! Mrs. Laura Moyer

Mary Bedell January 6, 2015

Mary Bedell purchased the Basket Full of Wishes for the family of Joan Sanders Edwards.

Rose Tallina-Pierce January 6, 2015

Mrs. Edwards was my kindergarten teacher at Edwards Elementary School and I have never forgotten her. She was a wonderful and kind woman, always so full of life. She taught me a lot more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. She taught me kindness and patience and how to think well of myself. My heartfelt sympathy goes to her family.

Dee Phillips January 6, 2015

To James and Family - so saddened to hear of the loss of your Mom! Losing a Mom is losing your greatest supporter and fan - for No One loves like a Mom . Know you are all in our prayers. Dee Phillips - The Anchor Church

Pat Jim Cornelius January 5, 2015

Pat Jim Cornelius purchased the Pink Tribute Spray for the family of Joan Sanders Edwards.

event Other

location_on Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, 1155 North 11th Street, Beaumont, 77702

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schedule Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

event Celebration of Life