MERICA JOAN EDWARDS

Merica Shawver Edwards Obituary

Merica was born on January 28, 1935, and raised in Oklahoma City. She attended Lindenwood College her freshman year and then transferred to the University of Oklahoma to be with her future husband, Jim Edwards. She graduated from O.U. with a Bachelor of Arts with Special Distinction. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She married Jim Edwards in December 1955. They moved to Dayton, Ohio, where his first assignment was at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. When the Rocket Propulsion lab moved to Edwards Air Force Base in 1959, the Edwards (and many others who became their lifelong friends) moved to Lancaster, California. She was director of Volunteer Services at Antelope Valley Hospital for 15 years. After retirement she enjoyed volunteering at Lancaster United Methodist Church, the Lancaster Community Homeless Shelter, and the American Cancer Society. Her greatest joys were her family, friends, the outdoors, and church. Her husband of nearly 65 years, died December 16, 2020. She is survived by son Tim and wife Carol, and their daughters Teresa (children Teagan and Jackson), and Stephanie; son Jeff and children Robson, Mathew, and Kate; and son Scott and wife Kristin and their children Dylan, Erik, and Annika. In lieu of flowers, donations in Merica’s name may be made to Lancaster United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.