Mr. Robert Louis Edwards

Robert Louis Edwards was born June 17, 1937 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Alma and Harold Edwards. He was the third child of that union, following Marion and Peter, who both rejoined our Lord early in life. Robert matriculated at Dillard University, graduating in 1957. Robert married Lillian Leonard and to that union Kimberly Cleveland was born. After spending his first year teaching in New Orleans public schools, he relocated to Detroit, Michigan to join Detroit Public Schools. He met and married Myrna Crittendon while teaching History and English. Robert completed his Master’s degree in Elementary Education and worked as an administrator at Region 7 Middle School and Ludington Middle School. In 1980, he was selected as principal of Burt Elementary School where he worked until finishing his 44 year career with DPS. Robert was fiercely dedicated to an innovative, customized education for young people. He was on the front lines of the magnet school movement. He believed in making education fun for children and building a curriculum based on the needs of the individual child. While educating the city’s youngsters he was also dedicated to singing. He sang baritone for many years in the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, and the Renaissance Choir at Plymouth United Church of Christ. Robert departed this life on June 4, 2016. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife: Myrna Edwards, Children: Lynne Crittendon, Debra Brown, Kimberly Cleveland, Bobbi Edwards, Honorary daughter: Nicole Jackson, nine grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and a host of beloved cousins, friends, colleagues, and choir mates. ***Please do not send floral arrangements to Funeral Home or Church*** In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made online or by mail to Dillard University: give.dillard.edu 2601 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70122 FAIR Dillard fund Campaign - "Robert L. Edwards Scholarship Fund" Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Mr. Robert Louis Edwards

June 17, 1937 - June 4, 2016