Mary Edna Alday

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mary Edna Eldridge Alday on September 17th, 2025. Mary was born on November 23, 1931, in Neshoba County, Mississippi and has resided in Crystal Springs since 2003. In 93 years of life, she touched the hearts of all who knew her. She is Granny to dozens, both to her own grandchildren and any friend of theirs.

A faithful follower of Jesus, she was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church for more than 20 years and resides in heaven with Him now. She graced our lives with her kindness, and her love will keep her spirit alive in our hearts.

A lifelong, avid quilter who made hundreds of quilts, she is well known for the beauty and quality of her work. She loved to garden and play cards and had a giving spirit. She loved to travel and especially loved the mountains in the west but never wanted to live anywhere but her home state.

She is preceded in death by her husband Willie Marshel Alday; son Willie Steve Alday; grandchildren Katie Amber Alday and Timothy Lee Alday; brother Carl Eldridge; beloved niece Debbie Eldridge Martin.

Mary is survived by her children, Kathy Gillis (Walter), Kent Alday (April), and Clint Alday (Andi); twelve grandchildren, Angela Miller (Marty), Roxanne Anderson (Micheal), April McGowan (James), Audrey Bernius (Jonathan), Jessica Haley (Matt), Nathan Alday (Janae), Jennifer Rotkiewicz (Vincent), Phillip Alday, Brittany Cospelich (Jason), Nicholas Alday (Crystal), Benjamin Alday (Kirby), and Leah Alday; niece Janet Eldridge Webb (David); sixteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren.

Memorial services to honor Mary’s memory will be held on Monday, September 22nd at Lakewood Funeral Home in Jackson. Visitation will begin at 10:00 with funeral following at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, Mary would have preferred donations made to the Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department

1043 Hopewell Road

Crystal Springs, MS 39059