Carolyn Jean Coefield Edwards

Carolyn Jean Coefield Edwards went to be with the Lord on Tuesday May 20, 2025 at her residence

in Tobyhanna, PA at the age of 91. Previously, she was a resident of Poughkeepsie, NY for 50 years.

Born in Kinston, NC on February 28, 1934, she was the daughter of Mr. Samuel Coefield and Mrs.

Olissa P. Coefield.

As a studious student, she excelled in her educational endeavors. She attended Adkin High School,

where she was an honor student. She was the president of the Tri Hi Wi sorority and her brilliance

culminated in one of the most consequential events to take place in Kinston, The Walkout of

1951. She along with her classmates, Frederick Thompson, president of the Hi Wi, Levon Coefield,

Calvin Thompson, and Edna Jones organized the first successful student lead walkout that took place

on November 20, 1951. As a passionate soul, she was determined to fight for fairness and the

inequities of education for Black students in the Jim Crow South. On July 3, 2023, Mayor Dontario

Hardy issued a plaque in her honor to showcase her pioneering spirit, fortitude and the power of

youth-organized demonstrations for injustice.

After graduation, she received a scholarship and attended Harlem Valley State Hospital School of

Nursing in Wingdale, NY. She graduated with the class of 1955 and went on to become the first black

head nurse at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Carolyn Edwards was a tremendous supporter and motivator for her immediate family and siblings,

particularly when it involved higher education. She instilled mental resilience and clarity throughout

her whole family!

Carolyn is survived by her children Carolyn Moore of Hudson, NY; Armond Edwards Jr. (Catherine) of

Poughkeepsie, NY; Olissa Edwards Clark of Tobyhanna, PA; brother Cyril Coefield of Chesapeake,

VA; sister Linda Mattocks of Sherman Oaks, CA; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren,

cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home 401 North 5 th Street

Stroudsburg, PA 18360. A memorial service and burial will take place at a later date in Kinston, NC.