Mary Jo Edwards

Mary Jo Kyser Edwards was born on September 5th, 1947, to Eugene Kyser and Abena Woods in Fort Worth, Texas. As the eldest daughter among five siblings, she brought a special light to her family from the very beginning. At a young age, Mary gave her life to the Lord and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church. Throughout her journey, she was known to all as a loving, kind-hearted, and wonderfully feisty soul who brought joy to everyone around her.

Mary began her education at Amanda F. McCoy Elementary School, followed by James E. Guinn Middle School, and proudly graduated from I.M. Terrell High School with the Class of 1965. She went on to attend Wiley College, a pivotal chapter in her life where she met her true love, Eddie George Edwards. Their beautiful union blessed them with a son, Benjamin Eugene Edwards. While at Wiley College, Mary also achieved a degree in Education and became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Always community-conscious and action-oriented, Mary dedicated her life to the service of others and her faith. She was a faithful and dutiful wife, a dedicated mother, an adoring sister, and a steadfast missionary. At Greater Harvest Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) she served wherever she was called—as a Sunday school teacher, a church usher, and a trusted member of the Board of Trustees.

Preceded In Death

Mary was peacefully called home to be with the Lord. She is reunited in eternity with her beloved husband, Eddie George Edwards. Her parents, Eugene Kyser and Abena Woods. And her brothers, Robert Dean Kyser and Eugene Kyser, Jr. (Survived by wife, Irma)

Those Left to Cherish Her Memory

Mary’s vibrant spirit and legacy of love will be forever cherished by her survivors: Her son, Benjamin Eugene Edwards; Daughter-in-law, Dr. Tamara Edwards; Her lovely Granddaughter, Mariah Bailey Edwards (affectionately known as “Lil Mo” or “Lil Butterfly”) of Pearland, Texas. As well as her sisters, Nellie Crawford (Phynies) of North Richland Hills, Texas and Shirley Bogar (Joel) Grand Prairie, Texas. Irma Kyser, Fort Worth, Texas; Claudette Edwards of Houston, Texas; Rev. Lucille Smith of Marshall, Texas, Joan Edwards of Houston, Texas, Ethel Edwards Ervin of Houston, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.