Mary Lanning Edwards

Mary Lanning Edwards, 98, of Hampton, Virginia peacefully passed away on December 10, 2025 after a brief illness. She was born May 1, 1927 in Staunton, Virginia to Ralph and Ruth Babe (Gibson) Lanning but made Hampton her home for nearly the past 75 years.

Mary enjoyed a remarkable career as a research document editor upon her retirement at NASA. She loved flowers, especially roses and was quite renowned for baking elaborate cakes for her friends and family. She was active in bowling leagues for nearly 50 years and more recently enjoyed playing cards with her friends. Mary had a soft spot for the neighborhood stray felines who frequented her home and provided them daily meals. She also provided an abundance of nuts for the squirrels in her yard, who likely became the fattest and happiest squirrels in the neighborhood. More importantly, Mary loved being a mother to her three sons and she valued her time spent with family and friends. She was a very special and caring person who will be greatly missed.

Mary is survived by sons David Edwards and wife Marie in Gloucester, Virginia, Kenneth Edwards and wife Kimberly in Yorktown, Virginia and Gregory Edwards in Newport News, Virginia; nieces Linda Clark (Burt) in Staunton, Ruth Delawder (Jimmy) In Timberville, Virginia, Brenda Lanning in Edinburg, Virginia, Donna Griffin (Jack) in Churchville, Virginia, Susan Conner (Larry) in Churchville, Kathy Harris in Staunton, and Cheryl Elkins in Williamsburg, Virginia; nephews Bruce Edwards in Poquoson, Virginia, Robert Edwards (Trudy) in San Antonio, Texas, Larry Brown and Jerry Brown, Sr. in Staunton.

Preceding her in death is her husband of nearly 41 years Elwood S. (Pete) Edwards, brother Charles W. Lanning, brother John Lanning and sister Frances L. Brown and husband Alfred; in-laws Eva Maxine Lanning, Beulah Mae (Gilmer) Hill, Charles L. Edwards, Jr. and wife Kathleen and Marjorie Elkins and husband Stephen; nephews John Tobias (Toby) Lanning, Wilfred (Willy) Lanning, Alfred (Manny) Brown, Michael Brown, Stephen (Skippy) Elkins, Paul Elkins and niece Lynda Faye Minnick and husband Richard.

A private graveside service will be held at Parklawn-Wood Memorial Park in Hampton The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Langley Post Acute in Hampton for their care and kindness during Mary’s final days.