Howard Edwards Memorial Fund

“Love rests on no foundation. It is an endless ocean with no beginning and no end.” ~Rumi


Mary and Howard Edwards met under fateful circumstances.  You see, Mary was a devoted client of Mabel, a promising hairdresser in her Washington, DC neighborhood.  As was the case with most women of the day, Mary was steadfastly focused on looking her best before she exited the salon, and could not be bothered with the ever-escalating advances of young Howard.  Howard just so happened to be Mabel’s brother and always around the beauty parlor whenever Mary had an appointment.  Cupid had struck Howard.  Unfazed by Mary’s cold shoulder, he would not be deterred.  Slowly but surely, over the course of a determined, year-long courtship, Howard won Mary over.  On April 30, 1960, these two spirits became one, vowing to live a life that celebrated and uplifted their union.  With humble hearts, Mary and Howard’s priority was the present, making sure the love they shared for one another fostered a cohesive and healthy environment for their three children, their extended family, and the multitude of friends that completed their circle.  These lifelong Washingtonians worked tirelessly and charitably in their community, with their church, and for their loved-ones to make sure that whenever they could, they would lend a helping hand.  Throughout the nearly 55 years that followed, Mary and Howard were blessed with peaks and withstood many valleys, never losing sight of what mattered most: not just their love for one another, but their love for their family, their District, and most importantly God.


In 2006, after suffering the loss of the second of three children, their middle son, Bobby, returned home to DC to care for them.  Leaving behind a 20-year preparatory school career, he returned to show his cherished parents that the values of love and selflessness they cultivated not only resonated but had stretched to the next generation.  Despite numerous health ailments, with the aid of Bobby, Mary and Howard were able to spend the past nine years celebrating and growing the love they’ve had for each other since 1960.  Through several trips in and out intensive care and physical rehabilitation centers, Mary and Howard never lost sight of how to care for and love one another.  Though their health waned, their love only intensified.   Sadly, on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at the age of 86, Howard passed away, after spending several months in and out of the hospital, leaving Mary with only their love to hold on to.  


At 93 years of age, Mary is as alert, faith-filled, and witty as ever, although her heart is now deeply bruised at the loss of her beloved.  In the wake of Howard’s passing, she still needs around the clock care to make it through each day.  We are asking that, in the wake of this tragedy, you not mourn the loss of Howard, but commemorate the undying love that he had for Mary, and that she still has for him.  Whatsoever your heart may feel moved to give, we thank you for your honored donation and appreciate you bearing witness to the fact that love does not have to die, just because our beloveds are no longer with us.