Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown Museum founder and sister of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy has died at the age of 91.

According to her family she died of natural causes surrounded by her family on Wednesday night.

Gordy Edwards was best known for preserving the original headquarters of Motown Records by creating the Motown Museum on the site of the former ‘Hitsville USA.’ She was a Motown executive for nearly three decades.

She held a number of leadership positions at Motown Records including senior vice president, corporate secretary and director of Motown international operations. Gordy Edwards was vital in exposing international cultures to the Motown Sound.

Gordy Edwards was loved and respected for her work shaping the personal and professional lives of young, up-and coming Motown artists like Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Temptations and others.

She also initiated the Gordy Foundation, which today continues to fund scholarships that allow inner city Detroit youth access to education.

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