Edith Mae Young was born October 15, 1932, Denison Texas. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Pinkie Young. Edith graduated from Terrell High School in 1949.  She continued her quest for knowledge by attending Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri earning her bachelor's degree in 1961 and her master's degree in 1964.  In 1966, Edith joined the University of Missouri-St. Louis as an instructor in the School of Education.  She was one of the first African-American to join the University of Missouri-St. Louis faculty.  She received her doctoral degree in 1973 from University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.  She was promoted to assistant professor of education in 1973 and associate professor in 1977.

As her career advanced, Edith served in a number of administrative capacities with University of Missouri-St. Louis, most notably as acting director of the Center for Academic Development (CAD) from 1977 to 1980.

Edith's professional and civic affiliations include membership in the Advisory Committee of the Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School Business Program, the American Association of Higher Education, the American Vocational Association, the National Business Education Association, the Kappa Delta Pi and Pi Lambda Theta honor societies and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Edith has been in the Who's Who among Black American every year since its first edition in 1974-1975 and the World's Who's Who of Women in Education since 1977 before her retirement from education in 1998.

She moved back to Denison, Texas and became a faithful member of Hopewell Baptist Church.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents Joe & Pinkie M.Young Franklin, her sister, Tommie Dennis-Platt and brother Joe C. Young Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory:  One nephew, Wesley C. Dennis (Temple) of Denison, Texas, and two nieces, Rhonda Young-Lewis of Mesquite, Texas and Marcia Young-Thrash, of Allen, Texas. Great nephews and nieces, Brian Dennis (Delleez) of Fate, Texas, Austin Lewis, of Mesquite, Texas and Great nieces, Monique Young, of Frisco, Texas and Bettina Bryant (Kelly) of  Denison , Texas and the love of Great-Great nephews Kayden Bryant of Denison, Texas and Brice Dennis of Fate, Texas and niece Andrea George of Edmond, OK and other Great-Great nephews and nieces.

She ascended from this earth to eternity Friday, August 3 from Texoma Medical Center at the age of 85 following a short illness.

Professor Young will lie in repose Friday, August 10, at Waldo Funeral Home from noon to 8 PM for public visitation. The Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 11, at 2 P.M. in the Hopewell Baptist Church in Denison.  Officiating will be Elder Larry Polk and Pastor C.E. Evans will deliver the Eulogy.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home. You may sign the online guestbook at waldofuneralhome.com.