Born Sadie Edwina Wood on May 1, 1929, to Edward and Rachel Wood, the youngest of 5 children, in Camden NJ. She voluntarily changed her name to Edwina Veronica in a bold move as a young woman. She attended HS in Camden then moved to NY to further her education, in the late 40s. Soon after, Edwina met and married the “love of her life, Sikes “ Big Edward” Reese and from that union. Edwina and Big Edward raised 15 children, Sikes Edward II, Reginald, Yvonne, Andre, Sikes Edward Jr, Michael, Vincent, Karl, Phillip, Sheryl, Anthony, Eric, Jason, Glenn and Teresa. Edwina loved family and was loved by many in return, which included 41 grandchildren, almost as many great grandchildren, a multitude of nieces and nephews, great & grand, friends and anyone who she came in contact with. She also loved her daughter and sons-in-law, which some might question. While raising her children, Edwina began her career with the NYS Dept. of Corrections. Edwina successfully managed both her home and over a 20 year career as a Corrections Officer at the Bedford Hills Women’s Correctional Facility. Edwina’s approach to life though no-nonsense was filled with her simple joys dancing, travel (though she hated flying), jazz, reading (especially mysteries) and crosswords. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family, cookouts, parties, weddings she loved them all. Her strength and character was felt by everyone that crossed her path. Her journey of family, determination and resilience is a legacy for our family to be proud of. *Preceded in death, by Big Edward, her son Sikes Edward II, her granddaughter Alicia, her parents and all of her siblings, Frances, Ellamaye, Ruth and James