Joan C. Edwards facts for kids
Joan Cavill Edwards (born in 1918 – died May 7, 2006) was a talented New Orleans jazz singer. She was also a well-known West Virginia-based philanthropist. A philanthropist is someone who gives a lot of money to help good causes.
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About Joan Edwards
Her Early Life and Music
Joan Cavill was born in London, England. When she was four years old, her family moved to New Orleans, USA. By the age of 11, Joan was already singing on a New Orleans radio station called WWL.
This was the start of her amazing music career. She made short movies and sang with big orchestras. Joan also recorded music with Clyde McCoy and his Kentucky Band. She performed in famous cities like New York, Pittsburgh, and Chicago.
Helping Her Community
While singing at a hotel in Pittsburgh, Joan met James F. Edwards. He was the owner of a large company called National Mattress Company. They got married in 1937. Joan then moved to Huntington, West Virginia, which was her husband's hometown.
Joan and James Edwards gave over $65 million to Marshall University and the Huntington community. Joan was the biggest single donor to Marshall University in modern times. She helped many people and projects.
Joan C. Edwards passed away on May 7, 2006, from liver cancer. She spent her last days getting care at a cancer center. This was the very center she had helped to create. It is located in Huntington, West Virginia, at Cabell Huntington Hospital.
After she died, the Joan C. Edwards Charitable Foundation was created. This foundation helps to pay for scholarships for students going to medical school.
Places Named After Her
Many important places are named after Joan C. Edwards because of her generosity:
- Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
- Joan C. Edwards Stadium
- Marshall University Jomie Jazz Center
- Marshall University Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center
- Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center
Fun Facts
The Joan C. Edwards Stadium is special. It is one of only two NCAA Division I football stadiums named after a woman. The other stadium is Williams-Brice Stadium at the University of South Carolina. It is named after Martha Williams-Brice.
