Mary Edwards (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas—Mary Evelyn Sharp Edwards, 98, was welcomed to her heavenly home on Monday, April 27, 2020. A private graveside service will be Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Russ Panzer officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia. Mary was born November 9, 1921 to J. P. and Mary Evelyn Sharp of Tulia. She attended Elkins country school and later attended Tulia schools until 1940. She was a consummate mother and homemaker. She was introduced to Louie Edwards by his Aunt, Lena Ward in LaVells Department Store. They were married on March 2, 1940 in Tulia. During WWII, they lived in Redondo Beach, California where they both worked at North American. Louie was a machinist and Mary was a “Rosie the Riveter” riveting the tail section of the P-51 Fighter Plane. After the war they ran a dairy in Castro County and later farmed in Tulia. In 1950 they opened and operated Tulia Trading Post which is still in operation today. Mary was the oldest living member of Tulia First United Methodist Church, joining in 1935. During these years, she was actively involved as Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher and sponsor for many youth trips including camping trips to Antonia, Colorado for many summers. She served with joy on the bereavement committee for many years serving funeral dinners. She loved her church family and was always willing to serve. She loved music and sang soprano in the church choir. She also loved to sing at home and listen to music especially when it was her brothers, nieces and nephews. They could play the fiddles, mandolin, guitar, piano and all had beautiful voices. From hoedown and country, to songs of glorious praise, she loved it all. She was an active member of the Satellite Board which was a place for special needs clients to go everyday to experience love and a purpose. As a Sunshine Girl, she went to the rest home weekly to wash and curl patient’s hair, paint nails and whatever needed to be done to make them feel special. Mary never judged. She had a servant’s heart and demonstrated it in her community and church. Mary was preceded in death by her parents: J.P. and Mary Evelyn Sharp, her husband of 74 years: Louie Edwards, her son-in-law: Larry Berry, her son-in-law: Leroy Hill, her sister-in-law: Geraldine Edwards, her granddaughter-in-law: Sonya Bullard, his adopted brother: Harry Young, eleven Sharp siblings: James, Al, Howard, Labin, Milton, Ishum, Bill, J.P., Lewis, Mattie Scoggin and an infant sister. She is survived by her son: Tommy Edwards and wife Caro of Yakima, WA, three daughters: Joyce Childers of Tulia, Joan Berry Sheilds and husband Don of Amarillo, Suella Hill of Tulia, her brother-in-law: Bill Edwards of Amarillo, her grandchildren: Jessica Edwards of Seattle, WA, Jamey Edwards and wife Marianne of Yakima, WA, Donnie Childers and wife Tammy of Tulia, Ricky Childers and wife Missy of Bushland, Chris Childers and wife Monica of Howardwick, Mike Berry and wife Valuara of Amarillo, Steven Berry and wife Lindi of Arlington, Greg Berry and wife Brea of Amarillo, Mark Bullard of Amarillo, Brandilyn Hill of Tulia, Ethan Hill and wife Weslyn of Albuquerque, NM, Tina Davis of Tulia, Tracie Cooper and husband Clay of McLean, 31 great grandchildren, 5 great, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 330, Tulia, Texas 79088. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.