Born September 21, 1964 in Okinawa, Japan, Mary was the daughter of the late Thomas Ferguson Gray (LtCol, USMC, Ret) and Nobu Minada Gray. While in Okinawa, Mary grew up with numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and her maternal grandparents. Japanese was her first language and she attended Japanese schools through the 2nd grade. Upon her father’s return from Vietnam, they moved to Guam where her fondness of the ocean grew, and at 13, moved to New Hampshire where she graduated from Spaulding High School.
After graduation, Mary chased her dreams and moved to Northern Virginia and eventually made Alexandria her home. As she pursued several careers, she lived a life of selfless service always dedicating her time and talents helping others. Besides spending time with her family and friends, Mary enjoyed having her feet in the sand at Navarre Beach in Florida, being on the sidelines for Hunter and Dakota’s activities, writing, cooking, sailing, and genealogy. She touched many lives with her generosity and passion for life. She will be remembered for her indomitable spirit and strength and how she faced cancer with such grace, dignity, and courage. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached but never met.
Mary used her courage and strength to help others in their battle with cancer through her work as a volunteer, advocate and supporter of the National Breast Center Foundation and committee member every year for the Walk to Bust Cancer.
Mary is survived by her loving husband, Jason Edwards and their children Hunter and Dakota Edwards of Alexandria, VA; her mother Nobu Minada Gray of Toano, VA; her sister Anne Gray Preston (David) of Toano, VA; and her half siblings, Kathie Paro (Ron) of Fairbault, MN and Thomas F. Gray, Jr. (Mary) of Locust Grove, VA; mother-in-law Elizabeth Edwards of Alexandria, VA; several nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins, uncles, and dear friends.
Family and friends may visit Monday, January 24, 2022 from 5-8 p.m., at Demaine’s Funeral Home, Alexandria, VA.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 10:30 p.m., at Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria, VA.
Attire: Please add a small splash of pink. (Pink ties or bows)
Burial will take place following the funeral at Ivy Hill Cemetery. A reception will be held at Mount Vernon Country Club beginning at approximately 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Breast Center Foundation on behalf of Mary Gray Edwards, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=6A5AG7UL427LC.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DemaineFuneralHomes.com for the Edwards family.
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