Ada Edwards was a former Houston city council member who served three terms from 2002 to 2008. She was known for her advocacy for affordable housing, social justice, and community empowerment. She also worked as the assistant director for the City of Houston’s Department of Housing and Community Development and as a spiritual leader and ordained minister. She passed away on March 23, 2023, at the age of 80. What was her cause of death? How did she impact the city of Houston and its people? Here is what we know.
The Official Statement
The official statement on Ada Edwards’ cause of death was not released to the public. According to ABC13 Houston, her cause of death was not immediately disclosed. However, the University of Houston, where she worked as an assistant director, stated that she died due to complications stemming from her preexisting health conditions. She had suffered from chronic heart and lung issues, which eventually led to her death.
The Tributes and Condolences
Many people expressed their tributes and condolences to Ada Edwards and her family after her death. Among them was Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who issued a statement praising her for her tireless advocacy and dedication to public service. He said:
“Former Houston City Council Member Ada Edwards never forgot where she came from or who she represented. During her time as the District D Council Member, she worked to find solutions without compromising her beliefs and was steadfast in fighting to improve the lives of all Houstonians. She advocated for affordable housing, social justice and community empowerment. She cared deeply about people living in historically under resourced and underserved communities. Even after she left elected office because of term limits, Edwards remained active and dedicated her time to connecting people to education and employment opportunities, mentoring youth and working with nonprofit organizations. Houston is a stronger city today because of Ada Edwards’ tireless advocacy and dedication to public service throughout the years. May Ada Edwards Rest In Power.”
Other former and current city council members also shared their memories and appreciation of Ada Edwards on social media. For example, Dr. Carolyn Shabazz, who currently represents District D, posted on Instagram:
“She was an incredibly dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of her constituents. She will be remembered for her passionate commitment to civic engagement and advancing the goals of our District D community and the City of Houston. She will be dearly missed.”
The Legacy and Impact
Ada Edwards left behind a legacy and impact that will not be forgotten by the city of Houston and its people. She was a respected spiritual leader and ordained minister who founded the Living Water International Ministries in 1994. She was also a successful entrepreneur who owned several businesses, including a beauty salon, a travel agency, and a consulting firm. She was a devoted mother of five and grandmother of 14.
As a city council member, she championed many causes that improved the quality of life for Houstonians, especially those living in historically under resourced and underserved communities. She fought for affordable housing, social justice, community empowerment, environmental protection, public safety, education, health care, and more. She also supported various initiatives and programs that helped connect people to opportunities, such as the Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, the Mayor’s Office of Education Initiatives, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and more.
She also mentored many young people and inspired them to pursue their dreams and goals. She was involved in several nonprofit organizations that served the community, such as the Greater Houston Partnership, the NAACP, the Urban League, the National Council of Negro Women, the Texas Southern University Foundation Board, and more.
Ada Edwards was a woman of faith, courage, compassion, and vision. She dedicated her life to serving God and serving others. She made a difference in the lives of many people and left a lasting mark on the city of Houston. She will be remembered as a leader, a mentor, a friend, a mother, a grandmother, and a trailblazer.
May she rest in peace and power.
