Meet Regina Edwards- La Rue Chairman of the Alberta Truss Merritt Family Reunion & CEO of Alberta Truss Merritt Legacy
Regina Edwards-La Rue proudly serves as Chairman of the Alberta Truss Merritt Family Reunion and is the founder and CEO of Alberta Truss Merritt Legacy, an organization dedicated to preserving the history, traditions, and enduring legacy of the Merritt family for future generations.
Regina is the granddaughter of Alberta Truss Merritt and the daughter of Sudie Pearl Edwards and Pasco Edwards. She was raised in Ethel, Mississippi, where she grew up next door to her beloved grandmother. Those early years were filled with treasured memories, life lessons, and the unconditional love that helped shape the woman she would become.
From an early age, Regina shared a special bond with her grandmother. Alberta allowed her to comb and style her hair and even encouraged her creativity by letting her experiment with makeup when she was just eight years old. Those simple yet meaningful moments ignited Regina’s lifelong passion for beauty, entrepreneurship, and artistic expression.
Inspired by her grandmother’s encouragement, Regina went on to become a master hairstylist, beauty entrepreneur, and the founder of the CoCo La Rue beauty brand. She developed a complete line of premium beauty products, including professional hair care, cosmetics, and luxury hair extensions that have been worn by distinguished clients around the world.
For more than fifteen years, Regina has successfully operated her beauty business in Washington, D.C., while traveling nationally and internationally to serve an elite clientele. Her career has taken her to major cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C., where she has built a reputation for excellence, professionalism, and creativity.
Despite her professional accomplishments, Regina believes her greatest success is carrying forward the values instilled in her by her family. She credits her grandmother, Alberta Truss Merritt, for teaching her discipline, faith, perseverance, compassion, and the importance of preserving family history. Regina also honors the love and sacrifices of her parents, Pasco Edwards and Sudie Pearl Edwards, whom she affectionately describes as the “apple of her eye.”
Regina’s mother, Sudie, was raised by Alberta Truss Merritt, continuing a legacy of faith, strength, and unconditional love that has been passed from one generation to the next. Through their example, Regina learned that family is life’s greatest blessing and that unity is one of its greatest strengths. Their guiding principle has always been simple yet powerful: “A family that prays together stays together.”
Regina also cherishes the memory of her father, Pasco Edwards, whom she lovingly remembers as her lifelong protector. Although he is no longer physically present, Regina believes his love, guidance, and protection continue to surround her every day.
Today, as Chairman of the Alberta Truss Merritt Family Reunion, Regina is committed to bringing relatives together, preserving family traditions, documenting the family’s rich history, and ensuring that the remarkable legacy of Alberta Truss Merritt continues to inspire future generations. Through the Alberta Truss Merritt Legacy, she remains dedicated to celebrating faith, family, love, unity, and the enduring bonds that connect the Merritt family across generations.
Regina’s Parents
The legacy of Alberta Truss Merritt continues through the vision of her granddaughter, Regina Edwards La Rue, CEO of the Alberta Truss Merritt Legacy.
Regina is bringing her grandmother’s spirit of love, hospitality, and service back home by planning the opening of Alberta’s Kitchen in Kosciusko and Biloxi, Mississippi. Inspired by Alberta’s passion for cooking, family, and community, Alberta’s Kitchen will offer delicious American and Southern comfort food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant will operate primarily as a takeout destination while also offering weekend dine-in service every Saturday and Sunday. More than a restaurant, Alberta’s Kitchen is being created as a place where families, friends, and neighbors can gather to enjoy exceptional food and genuine Southern hospitality.
One of the restaurant’s most meaningful traditions will be its commitment to honoring local faith leaders. In recognition of their service to the community, local ministers and their wives (First Ladies) will be invited to enjoy complimentary Sunday dinners each week. While regular guests will purchase their meals, Alberta’s Kitchen will proudly serve pastors and First Ladies at no charge as a gesture of appreciation and gratitude.
The menu will extend far beyond traditional soul food. Guests can expect an exciting variety of Southern and American favorites, including:
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Jambalaya
- Red Beans and Rice
- Pinto Beans
- Homemade Sweet Potatoes
- Pecan Pie
- Bread Pudding
- Fried Chicken
- Shrimp and Grits
- Fresh Vegetables
- Homemade Desserts
- Signature Weekend Brunch Specials
Every meal will reflect the comforting recipes and family traditions inspired by Alberta Truss Merritt, whose love continues to bring generations together.
Regina is also in the process of acquiring property in Kosciusko, Mississippi, where her grandmother was born and where she now rests. The property will become the permanent home of the Alberta Truss Merritt Legacy, preserving Alberta’s story while creating new opportunities for the community.
As an accomplished interior designer and CEO of Alberta Truss Merritt Legacy, Regina has designed an ambitious expansion for the property. Above Alberta’s Kitchen will be a beautifully designed second-floor event venue available for:
- Weddings
- Birthday Celebrations
- Baby Showers
- Graduation Parties
- Anniversary Celebrations
- Family Reunions
- Corporate Events
- Concerts
- Community Gatherings
- Private Celebrations
Crowning the building will be Roof Top Events, an elegant rooftop venue designed for unforgettable outdoor celebrations. The rooftop garden will provide a beautiful setting for weddings, receptions, sunset dinners, private parties, and special occasions under the Mississippi sky.
Alberta’s Kitchen represents more than a restaurant—it is a lasting tribute to a remarkable woman whose kindness, faith, and unconditional love shaped generations of her family. Through great food, community service, and beautiful gathering spaces, Regina Edwards La Rue is transforming her grandmother’s legacy into a destination that will inspire visitors for years to come.
Alberta’s Kitchen
“Where Family, Faith, Southern Hospitality, and Legacy Come Together.”
A Legacy by Regina Edwards La Rue
CEO, Alberta Truss Merritt Legacy
