Mrs. Inez Marie Edwards was born on Dec. 16, 1928, in Lake Charles, La. to John “RED” Higgins and Minnie H. Higgins.  Affectionately called “Cat” by family and friends, she was the eldest of 13 children. As an infant, she was baptized at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

She graduated from Sacred Heart High School where she played basketball and learned to sew in Home Economics class.  As a seamstress, she sewed her children’s costumes for Christmas plays and cheerleading. Every year for the Church Bazaar, she made dresses for dolls to be given as prizes. As a mother, she made dresses for daughters, as a grandmother baptismal gowns and dolls for her grandkids, as a sister dresses and prom formals for her sisters, and as a neighbor dresses and formals for ladies in the community. 

As the oldest child of 13, Inez helped her mother in raising her siblings. Throughout her lifetime, her love of children was evidenced by her work with handicapped and developmentally challenged children. She provided care for children at her home who called her “Mama Cat”.  She also was a blue bird leader and a member of La Shon de Claire Social Club.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Inez. She enjoyed evenings with her neighbors, dancing to zydeco music, tending to her garden and spending time with her dogs. 

Inez was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Edwards Sr; one daughter, Inez Edwards-Anderson; three sons, Herman Edwards Jr., Leroy Edwards, and Kenneth Edwards. 

She leaves to cherish her memories son, Mitchell Edwards of San Francisco, Calif.; daughters, Karen Downs (Arthur) and Sherrie Cardona (Ron) of San Antonia, Texas; sister, Joanna Nixon-Gatlin (James); brother, Deacon Harold Nixon (Sheryl) of Lake Charles, La.; and brother, Leonard Higgins (Mary) of New Castle, Del.

In addition to her children, she has 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church (1102 Mill St, Lake Charles, LA 70601) on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at 11 a.m. Burial will be immediately following at Sacred Heart Cemetery (2646 Opelousas St, Lake Charles, LA 70601).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Edwards family.