Mary Ellis Edwards

Mary Lillie Ellis Edwards, 87, left this world for her Heavenly home on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Born in Columbus County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Jay Dee Ellis and Esther Kelly Ellis. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, James A. Edwards; and her sister, Nancy E. Harris.

She loved the Lord until her last breath. She had a musical talent that was truly a gift from God. When she played the piano and organ, it was heavenly. There aren’t too many individuals we know that could think of a song and just play it. And not just play it but do it masterfully. During her lifetime, she was not only the accompanist for the Greenwood P.H. Church choir, but she also led the choir. She was the pianist for the Greenwood Quartet and the Clarions gospel group for many years. Mary was a floral designer and co-owner of The Flower Box in Hampton from 1988 to 2008.

She is survived by her daughter, Denise Taylor (Rick); son, Barry Edwards (Joanne); grandchildren: Nicholas Taylor (Brittany), Jessica Williams, Cameron Taylor (Samantha), Katie Toliver (Ty) and Anna Edwards (Bryan); 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Bertha Anderson; brother, James Ellis (Linda); nieces: Sherin Stewart (Dale), Paula Barb (Greg); nephews: Travis Ellis (Crystal), Heath Ellis, Dane Ellis (Holly); three special cousins: Dorothy Doeppe, Jerry Starling and Donna Weeks; and many loved family members and lifetime friends.

Visitation will be held at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home in Hampton on December 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM with services at 2:00 PM and entombment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverside Foundation for cancer care, 701 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport News, VA 23606, in Mary’s memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parklawn-woodfh.com for the Edwards family.