Willow teen continues legacy

WILLOW — Edwin Kent was a well-known and much-loved figure in the Willow community. “The Jewelry Man” was admired for his beading skills and generous volunteerism. Sadly, he passed away last October, but with the help of friends he is still contributing to the town he loved.

When Kent received the terrible news he had an incurable medical condition, he called his minister and a couple of close friends with an endowment plan for his favorite charities. He laid out a plan to contribute to the local food bank as well as to the Willow United Methodist Church using proceeds from his successful jewelry-making business.

As per his wishes his good friend and caregiver Gail Just sold some of his inventory, which raised the first several hundred dollars for the organizations that had helped him through hard times.

“It was this vision that helped Edwin to be upbeat in his last days,” Just said. “Knowing he would be able to give back to his community gave him great peace.”

Once the overstock had been reduced to a few thousand high-quality beads, Just sought the help of a talented young beadier, Magnolia Cook. Although Cook is only a ninth-grader at Twindly Bridge Charter School, Just knew she was the right person to finish Kent’s mission. So Just approached Cook with the idea of using Kent’s beads to make more jewelry and proceeds would benefit the food bank and church. The two came to an agreement and Cook went to work.

“I’ve been making jewelry for three or four years now,” Cook said. “I’ve always enjoyed it, but knowing my hobby will benefit so many people gives me even greater satisfaction.”

Cook and Just have already made several sales and are firming up a marketing strategy for the summer. Look for the pair at craft shows around the Mat-Su area in the coming weeks.

For more information, contact Just at 355-4063 or gailjust@gmail.com.