Lydia Wydette Johnson Edwards

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." John 11: 25-26

Lydia Wydette Johnson Edwards, named after her paternal grandmother, was born on February 2, 1953, in Columbia, South Carolina to Mildred Lewis Johnson and Alphonse Johnson Sr. She attended elementary, middle and high school in Calcasieu Parish Schools graduating with honors from Washington High School in 1971. She attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA.

Lydia believed and trusted in her Lord and Savior.  In her early years, she learned of the Lord at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She later united with Throne of Grace Fellowship (Pastor Wilford Red), and Word of Hope Family Worship Center (Pastor Charlie Williams III).

Lydia was an avid sports fan especially rooting for her Saints. She loved to dance and was mesmerized by swing out dance moves. Many of you reading this can attest to the many inspirational and spiritual posts shared on Facebook or text to your phone on a daily basis.  Her favorite design was leopard print whether in clothing or household décor.  Red lipstick and nail polish were her signature accents.

Lydia was an excellent cook.  In her earlier years, she worked at Players Riverboat Casino, The Downtowner, McNeese State University, Robinswood, Cock of the Walk and other restaurants.  Some of her favorite recipes loved by others was red beans, spaghetti with meat sauce, breakfast biscuits loaded with butter, yams from a can you didn't know came out of a can, smothered potatoes and sausage, rice and cornbread dressing, crawfish pasta and the list goes on and on. She poured her love into all the dishes she prepared and passed her culinary skills down to Kimberly and Khayjah. We'll see if any of the great grands learn from them!

Caregiving was another passion of hers as she provided private duty sitting to the elderly and childcare to pre-school aged children. She loved children and spoiled many of the ones she kept, especially Mason Morgan.

Mourning her departure while cherishing memories of her life with a commitment to continue her legacy is  her husband , Raynard Edwards; her only beloved daughter, Kimberly Cantrelle Johnson Jack of Houston, TX; one grand-daughter, Khayjah Monet Jack of Houston, TX; four grandsons, Christian J'Kirby Jack, K'Wasi Mykhel Jack, Marcus Leday and Jaylin Jack of Lake Charles, LA; five great grand-daughters, Krislynn J'kari Jack, Kynslee ,  Marley , Royale and Simora ; five great grandsons  Marcus, Maddox, Mason, Malik, and Ivy; bonus mother, Louise Johnson of Tacoma, WA, two sisters, Rosalind Lewis Niamke of Odenton, MD, and Deborah Johnson of Houston, TX;  and three brothers, Alphonse Johnson Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA, Michael Wayne Johnson (Mary) and Craig Owen Lewis of Lake Charles, LA. In addition, she leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She will be greeted in afterlife by her parents, maternal grandparents Voris and Ida (Fruge) Lewis; paternal grandparents Walter and Lydia (Day) Johnson and sisters, Jean Tutson Augustine and Cynthia Lavonne Johnson.