Inez Artence Edwards

With deep sorrow but abiding gratitude for a life well lived, we remember and celebrate Inez Artence Edwards who passed peacefully on July 8, 2026. Born on May 3, 1938, in the vibrant town of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Inez’s journey was one defined by faith, love, and extraordinary compassion—a legacy she leaves behind for all who knew and cherished her.

From her first days in Guatemala, Inez’s spirit shone brightly. The foundation of her resolve and tender heart was built among her loving family, and her unwavering faith in God guided her every step. The lessons of humility and devotion learned at home would become the driving force behind her every ambition and cherished relationship.

Inez’s pursuit of education was characterized by diligence and excellence. She attended the Downstate Medical Center School of Medicine in Brooklyn, New York, and was also an alumna of CUNY Queensborough Community College in Bayside, New York, accomplishments that were sources of immense pride for her and her family. Her educational journey was fueled by a desire to serve, to heal, and to help others—values that would shape her remarkable career.

Her professional life was a testament to her compassion. As a Registered Nurse at Cabrini Medical Center in Manhattan, New York, Inez cared deeply for her patients and colleagues alike. With competence, empathy, and commitment, she offered not only medical care but comfort, kindness, and strength to those in need.

New York City became her adopted home, and she embraced its energy and diversity with the same open heart she offered her family and friends. It was here that Inez’s legacy blossomed, as she skillfully balanced her roles as caregiver, confidant, devoted daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Above all, Inez was a God-fearing child of God and a beloved mother to Keith Edwards and Lawrence Edwards. She raised her sons with gentle guidance and steadfast love, instilling in them the importance of faith, family, and perseverance. Her relationship with her daughter-in-law, Yvette Edwards, also reflected trust and affection, expanding the circle of love around her family.

Inez’s bonds extended beyond her immediate family. She is survived by her devoted brother Ralford McCalla and loving sister Yournie Davis, and by her nephews Leslie McCalla (Junior), Dwayne McCalla, Glenn McCalla, Jamel Gayle, Edley Gayle, and Garfield Gordon (Gary).  Her nieces—AnnMarie Preston, Lisa McCalla, Lillian Power, Peggy Foster, Karen Gordon, Yvonne Declet, Linda Sumpter (Pinky), Sandra Amarales, Kiesha Kemp, A-Kima Batiste, and Amanda Davis—also mourn her passing, along with her cherished grandsons, Tyrell Brown and Shaariq Jackson.

Inez found joy in the simple pleasures of life: home shopping, traveling and vacationing, dining, and especially delighting in the company of her beloved sisters and extended family. She set goals with determination, accomplished them with quiet pride, and celebrated each victory by sharing it with those closest to her.

Her life was not without sorrow. Inez was predeceased by her father, Joseph McCalla, her mother, Maudena Gardner McCalla, her brothers Leslie, Oldin, Vernal, and her sisters Elsada, Elise, Lilda, Hurmie, Lilith, and Marilyn —all which brought much heartache, but her faith sustained her through grief and uncertainty.

Yet, even amid these losses, Inez’s spirit remained one of grace, resilience, and warmth. She was a true friend and trusted confidant to many, touching lives with wisdom, patience, and advocacy. Those who knew her will forever remember her invincible faith and the supportive way she lifted those around her.

Today, as we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we do so with broken hearts but immense gratitude for the love she so freely gave and the lessons she imparted. Inez Artence Edwards’s legacy endures in the countless lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the example of compassion she set for us all.

Her memory will remain a blessing and an inspiration for generations to come.

Care of Inez has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.