Friends, family mourn at Edna Pincham funeral

YOUNGSTOWN — Friends and family remembered Edna Pincham today not only for her historical firsts in government and politics, but for her love and dedication to her community, church and numerous organizations for the less fortunate.

Today’s funeral for Pincham, who died June 24, was “a celebration of her life,” said the Rev. Dr. Morris W. Lee, pastor of the Third Baptist Church on Park Hill Drive in Youngstown. The church is where Pincham met her husband, H. Howard Pincham Sr. The two were married for 52 years.

“She was an advocate, mentor and strong supporter,” said Wendy Webb, superintendent of the Youngstown City School District. “Our tears are selfish tears. How are we going to go on without her? Who are we going to turn to?”

Pincham was the first woman and black person to be named to the Youngstown mayor’s cabinet, serving 12 years as then-Mayor Patrick Ungaro’s administrative aide.

She was the first black woman elected to the city’s board of education, serving on it for 16 years.

Pincham was also the only black woman to run for Youngstown mayor, losing to George M. McKelvey in the 1997 Democratic primary.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com