THE HKELS



The Roots of Our Family


The National HKEL (Halliburton Kinney Edwards Lowe) Family Association traces its roots back to the 1700s in Lauderdale County, Tennessee, where the foundation of our family legacy first began. What started as shared ancestry grew into a strong, multigenerational community committed to preserving our history, honoring our ancestors, and strengthening family bonds.


The formal organization of the HKEL family began in 1961 with the founding of the Greater Cleveland chapter, created to bring family members together in fellowship and celebration. Since then, reunions, programs, and shared traditions have continued to unite generations across the country, ensuring that our stories, values, and legacy live on for the future.

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John E. Edwards (1857-1935) and Celia Graves Edwards (1862-1925) 

John E. Edwards and Celia Graves Edwards were blessed to have twelve children. 


Mary Edwards Koonce

Corean Edwards Kinney

Willie Edwards Isom

Goldie Edwards Souse

Annie Edwards Lowe

Julius Edwards

John M. Edwards

Monroe Edwards

Pleasant Edwards

Tucker E. Edwards

Sam Edwards

Charlie Edwards

Celebrating the Legacy of Our Founders


The formal organization of the HKEL family began in 1961 with the founding of the Greater Cleveland chapter, created to bring family members together in fellowship and celebration. Since then, reunions, programs, and shared traditions have continued to unite generations across the country, ensuring that our stories, values, and legacy live on for the future.

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The Executive Board Members Who Guide Us


Through their vision and dedication, our founders created a strong foundation of love, tradition, and togetherness that continues to shape and inspire our family for generations to come.

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Former HKEL Executive Board Members


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In Memoriam  - HKEL Executive Board and Founders


We remember with gratitude
the hearts who dreamed before us,
the hands that built with faith,
and the voices that called our family together.


We honor the Founders—
keepers of history,
guardians of our name,
pillars who stood so we might stand stronger.


Clifton Kinney

Jessie Mae Saunders Kinney

Roy Kinney

Leara Kinney Robinson

Eara Kinney Rufus


We honor the Executive Board Members—
servants who led with wisdom,
laboring in love,
carrying the torch with dignity and grace.


Charles “Chuck” Hall

Fannie Kinney

Odell Kinney

Ladie Bea Mitchell

Bernice  Rufus Owens

Reverend Kay Rufus

Eddie “Godfather” Robinson


Though their earthly work is finished,
their light remains—
guiding us, steadying us,
reminding us that family is a sacred gift.

May their memory be a blessing,
their legacy a charge,
and their spirit a quiet whisper
calling us to unity, purpose, and love.

The Committees Behind Our Impact


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Reach out and Connect with the HKEL Family

We’d love to hear from you — whether you have questions, want to get involved, or simply want to learn more. Family is not only an important thing; family is everything.

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