Zee Edgell was among those honored for "Women of the Year" (Belize, 2011)
Zee Edgell became the first Belizean author whose work reached an international audience with the publication of Beka Lamb in 1982. Since that time, she has published three more novels and five short stories.
Born in Belize City, British Honduras in 1940, Zee is the daughter of the late Clive Tucker and Veronia Tucker (nee Walker). She is married to Alvin Edgell and has two children: journalist Holly Edgell and physician Randall Edgell. Randall and his wife, Emily Shavers Edgell have three children. Zee's siblings are Barry Tucker, Laura Longsworth, Martha Eiley, Monica Tucker and Ava Tucker. Three brothers, Clive Tucker Jr., Alexander Tucker and Lenton Tucker are deceased.
Zee received an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados in 2009. She holds a Master of Liberal Studies degree and earned a diploma in journalism from Regest Street Polytechnic.
In 2007, Zee received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II, for her services to literature and the community.
After retiring from Kent State University as a tenured English professor in 2009, Zee moved to St. Louis, Missouri with her husband.
Zee Edgell (far right) and her classmates dress up for Halloween in Belize City (circa 1955)
