Carl Edwards

Carl Wylie Edwards was affectionately known as “UNCLE” , “Mr, Edwards” and as a performer “Josephine”. He was born May 19th 1961 in Portland, Oregon to his beloved parents Winona & Clyde Sr. Carl grew up in Burlington near Scapoose where his neighbors there Crawford’s were more like family. There, he attended Skyline Elementary, Holbrook Junior High, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Portland. As a very special Uncle, Brother and Son, Carl made it his business to get the kids dressed up for Halloween trick or treating, take them to see Christmas lights on Peacock Lane, weekend trips to Rockaway Beach and gatherings at The Campers Hideaway where he’d pull together festive meals for friends and family. For several years As a young adult Carl served as a Camp Counselor for youth at the Salvation Army’s Summer  camp Kuratli at Trestle Glen. Here he made life long friends with both campers and co-workers who were his family from camp. After more than 30 years of service, Carl retired from the Portland Public School District where he compassionately taught children with special needs from Kindergarten through 12th grade. He made close friendships with his co-workers from Madison, Laurelhurst, Jefferson, Fernwood & Beaumont. Carl loved teaching his students Egyptian art ans inspiring them to be creative. Carl was a hard worker and often worked two jobs. He pioneered the Needle Exchange program where he served at-risk youth. Carl was a natural born dynamic artist. In high school he won a NAACP Gold

Medal award and was featured in the newspaper for an awesome sculpture he made of King Tut. Carl was amazing at drawing, painting, and crafts. He also enjoyed performing for adults as his alter ego “Countess Josephine”. Carl had a wide circle of friends whom he socialized with from the Fox & Hound, Starky’s, Crush and other Gay friendly bars.  Carl loved Diana Ross, animals, and the outdoors. He was passionate about social justice issues like being Anti-racist and for many years he served as a community leader and neighborhood watch member. Carl was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Grace Griffin, Wana Abel, his Great Grandmother Addie Hann, his parents Clyde Sr. (widow Doris), Winona & Chuck, his best friend and sister Cheryl, his brother Clyde Jr. & Carey. 

When  Carl was no longer able to live independently he had two loved ones who consistently  cared for him and refused to leave him all alone, his niece Empress & his dear friend of almost 40 years Greg D. Carl leaves to mourn Candice, Ramona, Stanlie, LaRay, Devonte, Jeremiah, Joshua, Tiarra, Ciarra, their descendants, Krishae, Caeden, Olivia & Gracie and a host of family & friends in the U.S.A & Canada  with whom he shared precious memories & loved beyond fault & flaws.

Before Carl departed he voiced his commitment to seeing his twin nieces achieve academic greatness and become successful young adults. Any donations in his memory he would want directed here: https://gofund.me/93c45c1f

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