Arlease Gibbs Edwards, 96 of New Haven, CT departed this earthly life on Friday, February 17, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. She was born August 8, 1926, in Sladeville, NC to the late Sim and Bessie Gibbs Sr. She was married to the late Lee Edwards, and to this union they had 8 beautiful Children.
Arlease was employed by the Veterans Hospital and after dedicating 30 years of her life, she retired in 1980. After retirement she became the personal caretaker and best friend to Mary Jane Reynolds for 41 years.
Arlease loved to laugh, cook, talk junk and put you in your place. She meant what she said and she said what she meant. If you didn’t understand she would grab whatever was in arm’s reach, be it spoon, spatula, switch, fishing rod aka the equalizer or a curtain rod; to help you understand, you got the point fast and in a hurry. She was known for her cooking and feeding everyone in the neighborhood. If you were not in the kitchen to learn how to cook, then you missed out.
She was loved by all and affectionately known as Ma, Mommy, grandma, G ma, G money, Big Ma and gram.
Mommy loved life and her family meant the world to her. Along with being the Matriarch of the Edwards clan, she went above and beyond for all her kids, grandchildren and family. She was the glue to our foundation and the strongest woman we ever knew. She was the Queen of all Queen’s and will be deeply missed.
Arlease leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter Shanta Edwards, Her sister Bessie (James)Jefferson, Arlease Yvette and Nadjawa Edwards her caretakers, her daughter in laws Alice and Sheree, 26 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and 47 great, great grandchildren. She also raised as her own Shana Luna and Dashon Atkinson. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her heart was full of love and she had a special bond with each of us. We were all her favorite.
Arlease was predeceased by three daughters, Ethel, Christine Edwards and Melissa Malloy. Four sons Bruce, Norman, William and Jerry Edwards. Her Brothers Bill, William, Earnest, Carlise, Sim and Dennis Gibbs. Her sisters, Lula Mae Stanley, Margaret Davis, Mary Coburn, Arneta Chesson, Evine Brunson, Pearline Cannon. Two grandchildren Bruce Edwards Jr. and Jameca Malloy and one great grandchild Jocelyn Edwards.
A celebration of Mrs. Edwards’ life and legacy will be held Monday, February 27, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ, 135 Winthrop Ave., New Haven. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:00-11:00 A.M. The burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., New Haven. A repast will follow at West River Hall, 37 Orlando St., West Haven.
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Condolences to the family
May you find peace during your time of bereavement
Aunt Arlease Edwards is Gone But Never Will Be Forgotten, Aunt Arlease I Called My mother because that is what She was to Me ,l Lost My Mother when I was just seventeen years old and she became MY Mother ,I Love You My Mother Arlease, even though You was My Mother before Then ,l lived in Her House with Her Before My Mother Had Passed , Assent From The Body Is Present With The LORD, Rest In Peace Aunt Arlease Until Gable Come And Blow The Trumpet You Will Rise IN Jesus Christ Name AMEN 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
AUNTY YOUR SMILE N YOUR LAUGH WILL BE TRULY MISSED..YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND.. A VERY POWERFUL LADY WHO LOVED HER FAMILY DEARLY..I STILL GET A KICK OUT OF YOU THROWING A WHOLE ICE TRAY FULL OF ICE HITTING MONA IN HER HEAD AS SHE WENT TO RUN AWAY FROM YOU😂😂…YOU WERE KNOWN FOR BEING THE REALEST WHO LOVED ON EVERYONE WHO SURROUNDED YOU…IM FOREVER GREATFUL FOR HAVING A GREAT AUNT AS DEAR AS YOU.. I’LL FOREVER HOLD YOU CLOSE AND DEAR TO MY HEART.. I SALUTE YOU!! ROCK THE HEAVENS AUNTY…MUCH LOVE 😘
My dear auntie,
we’re gonna miss you so much. Say hello to the rest of our family family. When you get home. You always be a heart Love ❤️ Auntie
Your niece Lisa Jones (Stanley)
My condolences & prayers to the family. May the peace of God keep your hearts & minds through Christ Jesus.
Praying for family and strength. Gramma Arlease will be missed from her stern up bringing, telling you like it is and her finger licking meals. From the Reed and Gatling family to the Edward’s family know that gramma Arlease’s love is so strong that you all have inherited all of her traits. So keep her in mind when you are disciplining you kids or other kids, telling it like it is and cooking all your meals, think of gramma Arlease and say, Thank You!
💞Love Tosha
From the first time she laid eyes on my son Jaquan Samuel she knew that was her great grand son and he looked just like her Son Bruce Edwards Senior and grandson Bruce Edwards JR. Go put us there two doors from her in Rockview not knowing my son was going to meet his father side of the family but like they said she loved her family and close friends and she will be miss I love and miss her as well as my son he really loved his great grandmother
Dear Arlease, thank you for the memories you be stored upon us, I didn’t think of you as my sister-in-law, but as my beloved sister, you were the most sweetest, kindest and understanding person I would ever know , until we meet again rest in peace. Love your sister-in-law, Alberta gibbs.
Dear auntie when I see you, I see my mom, Lula Mae. God bless you you were such a strong woman and you will find much peace now. Love you your niece, Diane George.💕💕
My Beautiful Mommy Word cannot express how much I love you.You left me broken as much I wanted you here I know God needed you more . Take Your Rest My Beautiful Queen I stand on the promise I made you . Until we meet again Mommy Love You Mommy💔💔💔💔
Chrissy, Eboney, Makhi, Ramire and the rest of the Edwards family, you have my deepest condolences. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.