Louise E. Young

Louise Edwards Young, throughout her life’s journey a woman strong and caring, entered into eternal rest on August 6, 2023.

The eldest of 11 children of the late Walter and Elizabeth Edwards, Louise was born on September 21, 1927. Louise graduated in 1946 from Pittsylvania Training School, forerunner of the former Northside High School in Gretna, Va. Soon after, she took that first strength-of-character step when she struck out on her own to make a life for herself in Washington, DC.

It was a life of highs and lows that would see her forge a half-century career working for the federal government notably the Government Printing Office (GPO) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

 Louise married CW Terry Young in 1957. They lived in Washington, DC; moved to Los Angeles, CA for a brief period; then returned to DC. Their primary residence was in NE Washington, Riggs Park. Louise and Terry separated.  In 1993, she moved to Hyattsville, MD, a stone’s throw from her previous home, and close to her adopted church, St. John Baptist de la Salle Catholic Church. She retired from FEMA in 2007. Louise returned to her native Virginia in 2023, this time to Richmond to be near family members.

In her earlier years, Louise loved to cook, bake and tend to her flowers and vegetable garden. In cooking she was great. She loved tending to her roses. Baking was her favorite. She was uniquely talented and gifted. She was always receiving requests to bake something for special occasions for family, friends and coworkers. Later in life, cooking's flavor waned, but she had no problem letting anyone know she was grown enough to eat her dessert first if she so desired.

Louise was a knowledgeable and avid sports fan; especially football.  She was always eager to participate in family Super Bowl pools. She also liked to watch NASCAR, golf, and sports talk shows. She could talk sports with the best of them.

In addition to her parents, Louise was predeceased by three brothers, Walter, Hayward and Melvin; and one sister, Hester Witcher. She leaves to cherish her memory, sons Tony Cooper (Gwen) of Petersburg, VA, Omari Young (Safiya) and Timothy Young (Johnetta), both of the Greater Atlanta, GA, area; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one brother, Sidney Edwards of Gretna, VA.; five sisters, Frances Smith of Gardena, CA, Eunice Moore of Glen Allen, VA, Vernell Davis, Vera Edwards and Gail Kelley (Ronald), all of Richmond, VA; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - South Chapel, 1215 Richmond Hwy., Richmond, VA.  At the request of the family, this service will be a private ceremony for family only.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Disabled American Veterans Charity (DAV). https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/