On March 19, 2022, Ms. Allie Lue Edwards was chauffeured to the Winston County Library in a black limousine escorted by former Mayor William ‘Skinner’ Johnson of Holy Hill, SC and former head start teacher Paul Eichelberger. After entering, she was greeted by the event organizer Linda Holmes Johnson of Holy Hill, SC and over 100 of her former students and coworkers.
Mr. Walter Smith sang her favorite spiritual song and niece Carol Lynn Edwards recited several comical poems. Ms. Edwards made a special presentation of her newly published book A Gift to: Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Columbus, MS, Wesley United Methodist Church, Rust University, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi State University, Noxapater High School, Eiland Middle School, Louisville High School, and Winston County Library. Later the crowd sang Happy 88th Birthday to her as she smiled with joy. She is very comical and later said, “Who are all these old people”? She had not seen most of them in over 50 years. What a joyous time they had as they laughed at her many comical remarks.
Her guest were served to go a cupcake, a bottle of water, a writing pen and book marks with her name on them. Linda had it set up that Ms. Edwards signed many books at home for people who had ordered in advance. Many people ordered online and came to get their book signed and many people purchased their book that day and had them signed with a photo of them with Ms. Edwards.
Ms. Edwards taught typing, shorthand, English and bookkeeping in the Louisville Public School District, including Noxapater Attendance Center, for 30 years. She retired in 1989 from Louisville High School. She was a very firm dedicated teacher and was loved by her students. She had polio at 12 years old and endured being isolated during her secondary school years. However, she used that time to read and write. She graduated from Rust University, Holly Springs, MS with her braces and crutches. She enjoyed her life as a teacher and inspired her students to preserve no matter what physical challenge they might have. People came from across the country to celebrate Ms. Edwards’ book signing and her 88th Birthday. (all photos by Elmetra Patterson)
