Wilhelmina Edwards Person

Wilhelmina Edwards was an only child born to Virginia residents Captain Payton Edwards and Nanny Anna Weaver in Buffalo, New York on September 14, 1927.She was raised in Newark, New Jersey, where she took vocal instruction classes and was encouraged by her voice coach to sing opera.After studying in New York, she began singing at various concerts including the NJ All State High School Chorus and Orchestra.She also loved ballet and added ice-skating to her repertoire.

Wilhelmina or "Mina", as she was called, graduated from Westside High School and attended Upsala College.She was accepted into the Boston Conservatory School of Music, but met an Army man named Andrew G. Person at a USO Dance. The two fell in love and wrote each other faithfully during his tours of duty. They were married when he returned. She put singing on hold, preferring to start her family.

In 1946, Mina received a part-time job at the Newark Public Library where she earned $.50 an hour.Alicia "Bunny" (Person-King) was the first daughter to arrive in 1949. In 1953, their second daughter, Isidra"Ispy" (Person-Lynn), came and the small family moved to the suburban town of Linden, New Jersey. In 1959, Melissa "Mitzi" (Person-Heinze) completed the family.

Mina was promoted to full time, where she ascended through the ranks to become the Head Librarian of the Clinton Branch Public Library.Her three daughters produced 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mina was a member of First Baptist Church in Linden, where she joined the Senior Choir and used her operatic voice by singing soprano for the Lord.

She was honored for 50 years of service to the Clinton Branch Library in Newark, NJ. In 2004, she retired to return to Windsor, VA to care for her Mother who passed at age 97.

We thank all have stood by her and us during this trying time.Thank you, God, for keeping our Mother healthy most of her years, and for providing care when she needed it most from her daughter and dedicated caregiver and guardian, Alicia Person-King.

Her final arrangements have been entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel and the family appreciates their professional assistance in our time of need. A special thank you to Tanya Hill, Home Instead Senior Care. Also, thanks to the staff of Personal Touch Hospice.

A memorial service will be held 12:00pm on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Shivers Funeral Chapel, Smithfield, Va. Professional services are entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.