July 1st: Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, Tony Jean Dickerson is the 7th child of 8 children raised by Linda and Jeffie Lee—and her Uncle Frank Edwards! Graduating from John Marshall High School at 17, Tony took off for Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. She spent 35 years in the Show Me State; 32 years as an educator in Kansas City, MO. She holds degrees from 3 Missouri universities (LU, UCM, and UMKC) and is currently finishing her doctoral degree at KU in Lawrence, KS. The quilting bug bit her at the young age of 50 years and though she has lost count, she believes she has made some 100 quilts in 4 years! She helped raise her eldest sister’s youngest child Nicholas, and has been blessed with Renaurd Robertson as her daughter. She also has two furry babies: Biskit and Mrs.Buttersworth! Happy Birth Day, Tony!

July 11th: Born and raised in Elkton, KY, Linda Edwards Lee is the youngest child of Charlie and Annie Carr Edwards. She helped raise 8 children and several grandchildren all in Indianapolis, IN. She spent about 12 years in Kansas City, MO and recently moved back to Indianapolis with her daughters Tony Jean and Vickie Ann. She began quilting at the tender age of 50 and did so –by hand–for some twenty odd years. She recently became the first lifetime member of Akoma Ntoso. We honor her for her creativity in the arts, especially quilting, and her example of living life to its fullest! Happy Birth Day, Momma Lee!