Lillian Estelle Edwards (1892-1967) was born in Maryland and lived in Richmond, Virginia. During World War I, Edwards enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves Corps and held the rank of chief yeoman. She served from 1918 to 1919. This conflict was the first time women were permitted to enlist in the military outside of the Nurses Corps. After the war, Edwards lived in Buckingham Village in Arlington, Virginia, and worked as a typist for a hardware store before clerking for the government. She spent her career at the Department of Veterans Affairs and retired in 1957 after 35 years. Edwards died on March 5 and is buried in Alexandria National Cemetery (Section D, Site 14).

US Navy, Yoemanettes in Bremerton Washington

Alexandria National Cemetery

National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico

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Thank you for paving the way for women everywhere and to fight for the same freedoms for ALL to enjoy. Your service and sacrifice, both in the military and in your federal career, is one to which we should all aspire.

On this Patriot's Day in 2023, I would like to thank Chief Yeoman Edwards for her service to the United States!

Chief Yeoman Edwards, thank you for your lifetime of service to our country.  We admire your trailblazing courage as one of the first women to enlist in U.S. Navy.  Your dedication as a “Yeomanette” helped our nation during World War I and set a standard for generations of service members to follow.  We are also grateful that you continued serving our country and your fellow Veterans for 35 years at what is now known as the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Chief Yeoman Edwards, once again, thank you for everything you did for our country!  You continue to inspire us today.

-- Ronald Walters
    Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs
    National Cemetery Administration 

LILLIAN ESTELLE EDWARDS

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