Mary Edwards

Mary Edwards, 92 of Arcola, IL passed away at 12:05 P.M. on Monday, February 18, 2019, in her home, surrounded by her family, just as she had hoped.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL.  A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 22, 2019 at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery.

Mary was born on January 5, 1927 in Louisville, KY.  She was a daughter of Zephie and Ree (Decker) Booth.  She married Donald A. Edwards on February 9, 1944 in Arcola, IL.  He passed away on October 6, 1981.

Survivors include two children: Donald A. Edwards Jr. and his wife Kerrie of Arcola, IL and Dorinda Prince and her husband Mike of Urbana, IL; seven grandchildren: Robert Edwards and his wife Amy of Charleston, IL, Donald A. Edwards III and his wife Jennifer of Charleston, IL, Traci Watson and her husband Jon of McKinney, TX, Troy Edwards and his wife Jessica of Aurora, IL, Jared Prince and his wife Sahara of Champaign, IL, Danielle Prince of Charleston, IL and Coryn Edwards of Phoenix, AZ; ten great-grandchildren: Taylor and Sydni Edwards of Charleston, IL, Hannah, Haven, Jonah Houston of Charleston, IL, Abigail and Caleb Edwards of Aurora, IL and Gabriel, Audrey and Lauren Watson of McKinney, TX; one brother, Charles Everett Booth and his wife Pamela of Phoenix, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons, Bobby Edwards and Ronald Edwards, one grandson, Travis Edwards and two sisters, Alice Walters and an infant sister.

Mary was a member of the Nazarene Church in Charleston, IL.

Mary and Don were owners of Edwards Shell Service Station and Café on route 45 in Arcola, where Mary became known for her famous chili and open grill hamburgers, they later re-located the Shell Station to route 133 in Arcola.  They also operated The Kelly Store along 133 in Arcola.

After Don’s death in 1981, Mary became the main caregiver for their son, Ronnie, for many years.

Mary was an avid gardener; she honed her gardening skills in the 40s by helping Mr. Martin plant flowers at what became Rockome Gardens.   Mary enjoyed hand stitchery, knitting and anything to do with sewing.  She loved quilting and crocheting.

Mary was a very organized and resourceful woman.  Mary had a strong love and devotion for her family.  She loved God and listened to hymns each night as she slept.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the caregivers that have helped Mary of the past few years, especially Melissa Price.

Memorials may be made to the Arcola Food Pantry or the Arcola Public Library.