Edith Joan A. Hale

Edith was a native of Huntington, WV. She served as the Secretary of her 1950 graduating class from the all-Black Douglass High School. She attended Wilberforce University, attained a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree from Marshall University, and a Leadership for Education Certification from Texas Tech University. She also obtained additional certifications throughout her career. Her teaching career began at the now demolished Barnett Child Care Center, then 27 years with Southwestern Community Action Council Inc. She retired as a Four-County Area Education Supervisor for Head Start, and served on three National and Four West Virginia Associations and Councils for Childhood Education. She was a member of: I.B.P.O.E. Of The World Elks served as Assistant, Vice and Daughter Ruler; Elks Cause Fezz Club, Vice-President; and Golden Star Temple 534-Trustee Local & State levels, member of Melody Kids Singers serving the Tri-State Area, and other states, and provided weekly ministry over W.P.L.H. Radio Station In Huntington. Additionally, she was a member of Little Jewels Singing Group 16th Street Baptist Church With Mae V. Brown & Henriettra Barnes. Her dedication to community and youth empowerment is demonstrated by serving as the Vice-President and President of the Child Development Improvement Club (C.D.I.C.’s), the Board of Directors for the Branches Domestic Violence Shelter in 1997, and as its Elected Board Fiscal Office in 2006, with The Blazers Club Of Mothers Girl Scout Brownie Troop 150 & Girl Scout Troop 152, Cub Scout Den Mother Boy Scouts of America Sponsor, Young Chapel AME Church, the Huntington Council of Week-Day Religious Institutions, Scott Community Center Mother’s Club, Little League Baseball Parent Support/Travel Group and 4-H Parent Support Clubs, and as the P.T. A. President at Barnett Elementary School.

She was christened as 4th generation member of Young Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and at age 12 she became the youngest Senior Choir member ever, eventually serving 71 years. Her service to the church includes being the former President of the Board of Trustees, a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Ministry Support Groups, chairperson of the Special Function Committees, she co-established the C.R. Lockhart Library and participated in Church School Conventions and District and Annual Conferences.

With a help-thy-neighbor spirit she joyfully volunteered with for Branches Inc. She was a taxi driver and assistant for those needing trips to medical appointments, the pharmacy and grocery store. Shealso served as a shopper, volunteer in church/community events and assisted the elderly, sick and shut-In or just someone in need. She served as a neighborhood mentor and listening ear, sharing wisdom and encouragement to young and old. Edith always felt happy, blessed and grateful to serve others and lift up others.