Mary was born in Decatur County, GA. on June 21, 1940 to the late William Albert Blount and Missouri Catherine Tharpe Blount. She graduated from Attapulgas High School. After high school she met and married the love of her life, Lamar Edwards. She and Lamar have spent the last 61 years together and raised a wonderful family.
Mary worked at Eastern Heights Day Care Center and Kindercare. She loved to spend her time taking care of the babies, and many families entrusted and preferred her loving care with their little ones. Mary was a faithful Christian who loved her church, her Bible and serving as a Choir Director. She and Lamar enjoyed southern gospel music and regularly would attend the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN. as well as gospel singings throughout the area. Mary began a retirement career driving for several of the local car dealerships and she made many lifelong friends along the way. When Mary was not traveling, you could find her taking care of her husband and family or doing Cross Stitch or watching Mollies Polka Party. Mary was an excellent southern cook this side of Faceville, GA. One of her specialties was cornbread dressing and giblet gravy, her family and friends looked forward to this dish year after year. Mary was a former member of Hillcrest Church of God where she served as the secretary for several years. She was also a member of Bush Road Emanuel Holiness Church.
Mary is survived by her husband, Lamar Edwards of Columbus, GA. daughters, Rhonda R. Brannon (Mark) of Salem, AL. and Andrea D. Foxworth of Beulah, AL. five grandchildren, Corey Gibbs, Lacey Argo (Stevie), Harlan Johnson (Amanda), Matt Foxworth (Hayden), and Megan Garsee, 11 great grandchildren, sisters, Betty Jean Blount of Bainbridge, GA, Wynnette Cheek (Bill) of Atlanta, GA, Martha Ann Whitaker of Columbus, GA, and Sharon Winnona Rosser of Calhoun, GA, brothers, William Albert “Bill” Blount, Jr. (Vickie) of Palmetto, GA, and Edward Blount of Faceville, GA.
Mary was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Shelley Foxworth, sister, Elsie Catherine Bullock, and a brother, James Robert Blount.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021 in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA. with Reverend Hank Reeves officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be 1 hour prior to the service. Interment to follow in Parkhill Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will follow in the Mill Room of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to, Shelley Thomas, RN for her compassion during this difficult time. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to Affinis Hospice at 2320 Double Churches Rd. Columbus, GA. 31909.
