Clara Deann Edwards

Clara Deann Edwards passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the age of 86. Wife of the late John Atteberry by first marriage, of the late Merle Luckinbill by second marriage and of the late Glen Edwards by third marriage. Beloved mother of John Atteberry III (Chelsee), Kristin Atteberry Hafner and the late Scott Atteberry and Kathryn Atteberry. She was the daughter of the late Byron and Verna Mae Hutchinson Safley of Jefferson, Iowa. Sister of the later Janet Mills (Jim) and Richard Safley. Grandmother of Emily, Hillary and Philip Hafner. Also survived by her dear friend and adopted daughter, Donna Bartley Weiss (Scott) and her children, Justin Weiss, Rebecca Weiss Thorne (Jonothan) and their children, Alex Weiss, Garrett Thorne, and Olivia Thorne.  Deann was born on December 22, 1937, in Jefferson, Iowa. She grew up on the farm and developed a deep love for nature. In high school, she was a cheerleader and majorette. She was senior editor of the high school newspaper and received a full scholarship in journalism to Iowa State University.  She was well known for her vivacious personality and hell-raising abilities. After high school she married local barber, John Atteberry. They established their home in Guthrie Center, Iowa and from this union came four children: John, Scott, Kristin, and Kathryn. Kathryn passed away at 19 days old.   Deann was very involved in her children’s activities including Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, swim team, and sports.  Sadly, Scott passed away at the age of 19 years in a vehicle accident. After being widowed at the age of thirty-eight, and her youngest graduated from high school, she relocated to New Orleans, taking a job with her uncle Duane Safley. Finding that she had a natural talent for interior design, she founded JD Interiors with a close friend. This business operated for several years in the New Orleans area. With the rise of the big box stores, independent interior designers faced stiff competition and the business closed. Deann then became owner of the Fire Extinguisher Company of Louisiana. She operated this business as sole owner for thirty plus years.  She was well known and loved by her clients.Years of working hands on in the fire extinguisher business took a toll on her body, and she developed severe arthritis. She eventually moved into the office of the business full time, while son John, who had been working with her in the business for many years, took on increasing responsibility. As time went on, she became debilitated by arthritis and reluctantly retired at the age of eighty-four, at which time John took over all business operations. Deann fell in love with the New Orleans area – its people, personality, and traditions. She lived for several years with her husband, Glen, on Bayou Gauche in a renovated cajun cabin. These were happy years for her. Together they enjoyed cajun dancing, boating on the bayou, cheering on the New Orleans Saints, and being involved with her grandchildren and family.  She was truly content drinking her morning coffee while looking out on the bayou. In true Dee fashion, she made many friends there. Deann was a true “people person.” She absolutely loved being surrounded by friends and family. Her energy was boundless and contagious. She was the one who lit up the room when she walked in. As boundless as her energy was, she loved equally as hard and without wavering. For the people she loved, there was no doubt about the depth of that love. Deann kept a calendar of birthdays and anniversaries and was faithful to send out cards and letters to friends and relations year after year. She especially adored her grandchildren. Her last years were spent in her home in Harvey, Louisiana with her son John and his partner, Chelsee running the household and taking exceptionally good care of her. Her daughter, Kristin, also lived in the area and managed all aspects of her medical care. She died peacefully in her sleep, on March 18, 2024. Deann believed, without wavering, that Jesus was her ultimate destination. He was the light of her life, the strength of her soul. She believed that the human spirit is eternal and that the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, would one day grant her joy unspeakable, peace divine, and love all-encompassing for eternity. Today, we celebrate Deann – this incredibly strong, loving, fun, vivacious, quick witted, wise, and faith filled woman. Even though we miss her presence here with us, we smile through our tears, knowing that the grip of physical pain is broken, and she is free. We were blessed to have her in our lives, and we loved her so.  Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Service at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expwy., Harvey, LA on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 11am. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday morning from 9am until 11am.  Family and friends may view and sign the guest book at www.mothefunerals.com . In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org