Edwina Menendez

Edwina Gibson Menendez went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the age of 81. Edwina was born on November 24, 1934 to Thomas Gibson and Josephine Terrell. She lived in the New Orleans 7th ward, attended Valena C. Jones School where she was crowned Queen because of her academic achievement. She graduated from Joseph S. Clark High School Class of 1952. She was the former wife of the late Lloyd Menendez. Edwina was among the first women hired to work in the U.S. Postal service in 1957. Edwina was a lovely woman and a superlative mother who loved the Lord! He blessed her with exceptional abilities and talents. She was a scholar, teacher, singer, speaker and counselor in the Baptist tradition. Edwina persevered no matter the medical impediments or personal losses in her life. The lord blessed her to triumph and allowed her to visit the Holy Land, graduate from the Union Baptist Theological Seminary, and graduate from SUNO at the age of 65. Edwina worked tirelessly and held offices in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and the LA Freedman Association. She was a Sunday School Teacher at St. John IMBC, a member of Baptist Training Union, Kings Sons & Daughters and Education Committee. Edwina was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, two brothers, daughter Lloydel M. Wilson, son-in-law, Danny Wilson Sr., grandson, Danny J. Wilson II, devoted “sister”, Betty Montgomery, and brothers-in-law: Louis Jr., Lawrence, and Leroy Menendez. Left to cherish her memories are her devoted daughters: Tanya Menendez, Lawana Givens, and Linda Conerly. Granddaughters: Meghann Diaz (Louis), Crystal Wilson (Brandon), great-grandchildren, Malachi McGlothan and Niko Higgins. Nieces: Ethel Scott, Linda Velazquez (Thomas), Suzette Gibson, Patrice Connor. Nephew: Alvin T. Gibson Jr. Godchild: Deneen Montgomery-Smith (Carl). Relatives and friends, also pastors, officers, friend and members of the St. John IMBC, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, True Vine M.B.C, and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the funeral service on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at St. John I.M.B.C, 2538 Jackson Ave. NOLA 70113 at 10:00am. Visitation 8:00am until time of services. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Family extends grateful thanks to Dr. Thomas Mims, Davita Memorial Staff and patients and A-MED Ambulance Techs. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign online guestbook