In the early morning of July 23, Amanda Mae Edwards passed away at age 86.
Mae was born Oct. 28, 1932 in Lincroft to William Gordon and Maud (Norman) Smack. She graduated from Leonardo High School Class of 1950, received her Registered Nurse degree from Monmouth College in 1953, and later in the 1980s received her B.S.N. She practiced nursing at Monmouth Medical Center and later at Riverview Medical Center.
On July 2, 1961 she married Dock Edwards Jr. Together they raised three children until Dock’s passing in 1992.
Mae was a proud lifelong member of Lincroft Presbyterian Church. Later in life, she took up genealogy and went from an enthusiast to serving as the president of the New Jersey chapter of the African American Genealogy Historical Society.
Mae was known for her bright smile, grace, kind spirit and many friendships.
Mae was preceded in death by her husband Dock Edwards Jr. and her brother William Gordon Smack Jr. and his wife Catherine (Swainson) Smack. She is survived by her daughter and beloved caregiver Theodora Lynn Edwards-Forte; her son Douglas and his wife Joline (Violette) Edwards; her son Edwin and his wife Lynn (Bryant) Edwards; six grandchildren, Sierra, Sydney, Savannah, Sinclaire, Edwin Jr. and Rhylee; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held July 30 at Lincroft Presbyterian Church, Lincroft. There was an open casket at the church just prior to the service. Interment followed the service at Fair View Cemetery, followed by a repast back at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Mae’s Mission, c/o Lincroft Presbyterian Church, 270 Everett Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
