Lena Frances Edwards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lena Frances Edwards Madison
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Edwards in 1980
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| Born | September 17, 1900 Washington, DC, U.S.
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| Died | December 3, 1986 (aged 86) Lakewood, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Occupation | Physician |
| Spouse(s) | Keith Madison |
| Parent(s) | Thomas Edwards Marie Coakley |
| Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom |
Lena Frances Edwards (born September 17, 1900 – died December 3, 1986) was an amazing doctor from New Jersey. She was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is one of the highest awards a civilian can receive in the United States. She dedicated her life to helping people, especially those who were poor or didn't have much access to medical care.
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Becoming a Doctor: Early Life and Education
Lena Frances Edwards was born in Washington, D.C. on September 17, 1900. Her father, Thomas W. Edwards, was a dentist and oral surgeon. Her mother, Marie Coakley Edwards, was a homemaker. Lena's father also taught at the Howard University College of Dentistry.
Lena was a brilliant student. In 1917, she was the top student (valedictorian) in her class at Dunbar High School in Washington. She then went to Howard University and finished her college studies in just three years! She graduated from Howard University Medical School in 1924, becoming a doctor. While at Howard, she joined the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and was its president from 1920 to 1921.
Helping Others: Her Medical Career
In 1925, Dr. Edwards and her husband moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. They both started their medical practices there. Dr. Edwards became a strong supporter of natural childbirth. She also gave talks about public health, helping the many immigrant families in Hudson County, New Jersey.
In 1931, she joined the team at Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City. However, it took until 1945 for her to be accepted into a special training program for obstetrics and gynecology (which focuses on women's health and childbirth).
Dr. Edwards returned to Washington, D.C., in 1954. She taught obstetrics at Howard University Medical School. She also advised the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs on medical matters. She led the Maternal Welfare Committee for the District of Columbia Urban League.
Serving Migrant Families
When she was 60 years old, Dr. Edwards did something truly special. She helped start the Our Lady of Guadeloupe Maternity Clinic in Hereford, Texas. This clinic was built to help Mexican migrant worker families who often didn't have good medical care. Dr. Edwards gave more than a third of the money needed to build the clinic. She also worked there without pay, showing her deep commitment to helping others.
She worked at the mission until 1965. A heart attack made her leave and move back to Washington. She then worked for the Office of Economic Opportunity and Project Head Start until she retired in 1970.
Family Life
Lena Edwards married Keith Madison, who was also a student at medical school. They got married after they both graduated. They had six children together between 1925 and 1939. Two of their children became doctors, one became a social worker, and another became an officer in the US Air Force. One of their sons even became a Catholic priest. Dr. Edwards and her husband separated in 1947.
Dr. Edwards passed away in 1986 in Lakewood Township, New Jersey.
Her Strong Faith: Religion
Dr. Edwards was a very religious person and a devoted member of the Catholic Church her whole life. In 1947, she became a lay member of the Third Order of Saint Francis, which is a group of people who follow the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi in their daily lives.
Her son, Thomas Madison, joined the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in 1953. He took the religious name Martin. In 1962, he became a priest. He was the first African American priest to be ordained in the Society of the Atonement.
Dr. Edwards' work at the clinic in Hereford, Texas, was inspired by her son's seminary (a school for training priests). After attending a Catholic Mass there, she felt a strong desire to serve poor people once her children were grown. One of her son's classmates suggested she visit Hereford. She first visited for a long time, and then returned to build the clinic.
Honors and Legacy
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Dr. Edwards' amazing service was recognized by President Johnson in 1964. He awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a very high honor. In 1966, she received an honorary degree from Saint Peter's College, New Jersey. She was also given the Poverello Medal in 1967, another award for her service to others.
She was a certified expert by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She was also a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons, which means she was recognized as a highly skilled surgeon.
In 1955, the New Jersey branch of the American Medical Women's Association named her the Medical Woman of the Year.
