Yorke was born in Derby; her family later moved to Croydon.

Edith returned to Derby, where she taught destitute children in a local workhouse.

She married Robert Byard and emigrated with him and their children to the United States in 1902, becoming a film actress in her 50s, mainly in supporting roles.

Her daughter was a film actress also, and her son became a violinist with a symphony orchestra.

Yorke died in Southgate, California, aged 66.