Addie Ware-Edwards

On a bright summer day of July in Mississippi a baby girl was born to Lola and Mack. They named her Addie, after her grandmother on her father's side. She was the first to be born but more would follow. In fact, she has six siblings. Following her is her brother Mack, her sister Shirley, her brother Calvin, her brother Albert, her sister Vivian, and her baby sister Antonia, whom she helped raise.

As the eldest, caring for her siblings and helping her mother has always brought her great pride. In a squeaky voice she would tell her mother “I can help you, Mama.”

She always seemed ahead of the game and times, even in her early years. Rumor has it (her mother says) she was a very early walker, talker, (9 months) and reader. And she always had something intelligent and sweet to share. She had a tiny little body and a tiny little voice, but she was so mighty and big of heart. Her mother still refers to her as “my tiny little baby”, as she curls her hands close to her heart.

Born a Southern Gal, at the age of 3 or 4, her family moved across the country, and she grew into a Southern California Girl, Lady, and Woman.

She attended elementary schools in Hawthorne and Los Angeles, Henry Clay Jr. High, and Washington High School. She later attended nursing courses. But mostly, she is self-made.

She has been a model, entrepreneur, and real estate manager. In addition, she has worked in nursing, aerospace, and sales. She has always created a space for herself with her elevated level of intellect and creative talents. There seems to be nothing she can't make happen. She always finds a way for herself and those she loves.

In her teenage years, she was the girl that all the fellas wanted to take to their prom. She loved dressing up, and she was a good friend, so she would graciously accept an invite. However, her wit and charm ensured she was more than eye candy. She is a joy to be with.

Addie gave birth to the magic number three children. Shantel, Karl, and Temple. She has a grand story for each of their births and each shares the name of someone special, beautiful, and powerful to her. Education is important to her, so she made sure all of children appreciated learning and received multiple degrees, advanced degrees, professional licenses, and certificates.

She has a host of nieces and nephews that she cares for with understanding. She loves to tell stories about being smaller than her younger siblings but still having to tell them what to do. She also loves to tell stories about her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Some of her best ones include shenanigans with her Aunt Anne and her cousin Edward. She’s a strong believer in connecting with extended family.

Let’s see, who’s hand is she holding, talking to, laughing with, or looking for trouble with right now? Her father and sister Shirley would be great dinner companions. Her fur grandbabies Paprika and Blue are being spoiled and dressed up. Her first boyfriend Michael and first husband Fred are probably trying to remanence. While her second husband Alfred (Mr. Honey) is telling them the “girl is mine.” And she is probably having a long talk and laugh with her stepdad Papi. When she’s done, she’ll enjoy a book, another book, and another book while nibbling on a piece of her favorite candies. She’ll cook some black-eyed peas and baked turkey wings then meet up with friends at the track (wink, wink).

Addie, Mommy, Ms. Honey, Sis is eternally loved and always will be.