[5][6][7] Edna had eight siblings, including four sisters and four brothers, named James Leonard, Archie A., Mary Colleen Jones, Harriet Louise, Leland Russell, Harold Creighton, Ida Helen, and Doris Elaine.

[12][13][14] In November 1911, she married William Beach at her parents' home in Highland Park, Iowa.

[15][10] Two years later, she filed for divorce from William on the grounds of "cruel and inhumane treatment, and adultery".

[5] She used the pseudonym Alex Belledna for songwriting credit work, including on pieces she composed together with her husband.

[18] Alexander and her husband collaborated on the 1929 musical novelty show Pansy which had an unfavorable reception upon its debut and quickly closed, despite a well received song performed by Bessie Smith.