Edwa Fay Uqwuzor's Obituary
Edwa Fay Ugwuzor (Cannon) departed from this time-side of life on August 4, 2025. Edwa was a devout and loyal servant of Lord Jesus Christ, maintaining her membership in the Church of Christ for a duration of sixty-nine years.
Edwa, affectionately called Fay, was born on March 13, 1944, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to parents Joseph Henry Cannon and Elmer Conway Cannon (Lewis). Her father, Joseph, was the proprietor of a successful scrap metal business and contributed to the founding of the Peoria & Young Church of Christ. Her mother, Elmer, who held a degree in English, was dedicated to maintaining the household. The family relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1947, where Edwa was raised alongside her four siblings, being the second oldest: Joe Nevel, Sandra, Howard, and Karen. Her father constructed a two-story, four-bedroom brick residence on three-quarters of an acre of land, a notable achievement for black families during that period.
Edwa’s parents, her brothers Joseph and Howard, her sister Karen, as well as her nephews Whitney and Kalen Chapel, preceded her in death.
Edwa graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1962. She then attended Lincoln University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education with a minor in Spanish in 1966. She commenced her career as an educator in art and Spanish later that year. Subsequently, she furthered her education at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, obtaining a Master of Science in Art Education in 1981. Additionally, Edwa received certificates in photography and Instructional Media from Webster University in 1987.
Edwa had a distinguished career in the Illinois public school system and the St. Louis Public School system as an Art Specialist for approximately 40 years. She received numerous awards, too many to list here. The most notable include Teacher of the Year by the Metropolitan St. Louis Multicultural Task Force; Television Consultant for Kids Incorporated cable television show; created a video for Double Helix Television Studio that was aired on cable TV; integrated the arts into the Students Avoiding Drugs and Alcohol program; produced videos that won 2nd and 3rd place at the Kan(Kan) Film Festival; and was selected to work with the Bob Kramer marionettes, subsequently training her students in marionettes and stage design.
Edwa departs, leaving behind her sister, Sandra Jones (Willie); her daughter Dwan Reed (Thomas); grandchildren Serrae Lingenfelter (Isaac) and Noah Reed (Mariel); her daughter Nicole Williams (Ollie); grandsons Solomon Williams (Deja), Elias Williams, Luke Williams, and Christian Williams; great-granddaughter Eliana Williams (Solomon and Deja); as well as sisters-in-law, Angela Curry (Smoke), Spignotta Milam, Veronica Cannon (Joseph Nevel) and Ethel Cannon (Howard); brother-in-law, James Milam (Debbie); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Edwa shall be remembered for her unwavering dedication to the Church of Christ and her devoted efforts to disseminate the gospel. She obtained certificates in evangelism from Truth for the World and Fishers of Men. Her legacy includes a profound love for the arts and for young
children, as well as extraordinary talent in transforming everyday objects and materials into remarkable masterpieces. Furthermore, she was renowned for her generous financial support to her children and grandchildren, and for approaching life with courage and resolve. Additionally, Edwa was very energetic and could outwalk or out-talk anyone.
Special thanks are extended to Autumn Leaves Memory Care at 6327 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, Texas, for their loving, kind, and professional care of Edwa during her final days.
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