Beth Cameron-Edwards, 45, a longtime painter who used her artwork in her struggle against cancer, died of the disease Saturday, June 8, in her Felton, Calif., home. Ms. Cameron-Edwards, born in Chicago and raised in Dolton and South Holland, began painting in grade school and received a scholarship to Illinois Wesleyan University. Inspired by her mother, a portrait artist, Ms. Cameron-Edwards had a style that was initially classical and representational. When she was diagnosed in 1989, her work became more spiritual and abstract, said her brother, John Cameron. She used images from her CT scans and X-rays in some of her work, he said. She also led art expression sessions for cancer patients in San Jose, Calif. “People would always say she’s lucky for her gift,” said her husband, Gary Edwards. “But she wanted people to know that anyone could learn the mechanics of painting. Going beyond that is where her gift truly was.” In addition to her husband and brother, Ms. Cameron-Edwards is survived by a son, Loren; and two sisters, Lynn Cameron Johnson and Robin Unes. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in St. James United Presbyterian Church, 6554 N. Rockwell St., Chicago.
