Born in 1907 in Panaca, Nevada to pioneer Mormon settlers, Elbert Edwards attended the University of Nevada, Reno before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to accept a teaching position at the newly opened Las Vegas High School in 1929. Edwards taught seventh-grade social studies and also served as Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction and later was promoted to Superintendent of the Las Vegas School District. During his 37-year tenure, he also authored numerous publications on Nevada history, especially concerning Mormonism.

Joanna S. Kishner was born in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 27, 1964.

She and her husband were married at Temple Beth Sholom—the temple where she had her bar mitzvah and where she raises her own children in the Jewish tradition.

Judge Kishner has been recognized for her legal work throughout the years, this includes pro bono work for disadvantaged children through the Children’s Attorney Project.