Enola Edwards was the matriarch in a large family

Enola Edwards was born on December 21, 1924, in New Albany, Mississippi, the fourteenth of sixteen children to the late Andrew and Lelia (Nesbit) Edwards. Among others, she is survived by seventeen great-grandchildren and twenty-three great-great-grandchildren. Enola spent most of her adult life living and working in Detroit, Michigan. She moved to South Beloit, Illinois in 2002, and joined Wesley CME Church in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Enola passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the age of 98.

She attended public schools in New Albany, Mississippi. At an early age she was baptized and attended St. Mary Methodist Church in New Albany.  Enola was united in marriage to Oron A. Kimmons. They were blessed with two children, Arbrilia (Britt) and Leo.  

Enola is survived by her daughter, Britt (John Loyd) Collins and son, Leo (Winnie) Kimmon. She is also survived by grandchildren: Rev. Gary (Shelia) Collins, Randy Collins, Jocelyn Collins, Mecia (Floyd) Smith, Yvette Collins, and Leo L. (Jennifer) Kimmons; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many relatives and friends.

Enola was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; two grandchildren, Earl Tyrone Collins, and Audrey Earnell Kimmons; and a great-grandson.

The family of Enola Edwards would like to extend their deepest, heartfelt thanks to their friends, neighbors, the staff at both Beloit Health System Palliative Care and Beloit Regional Hospice, Dr. Pawel Olszewski, and Dr. Leo Egbujiobi for their love and support during her illness and their time of bereavement. "Your kindness will never be forgotten."

A public viewing without the family present will be held 12- 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home, 424 Prospect Street, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511. Private family services will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023.