Mary Frances (Drye) Edwards

As we reflect on the above words, we find comfort that our beloved, Mary Frances Edwards, entered Our Father's Heavenly Home. She was called from labor to reward, Monday, December 16, 2024. Born January 9, 1936, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Mary Frances was the daughter of Robert Lee and Eloise Pergee Drye. The epitome of grace, style, and sophistication, she was a woman of faith, generosity, kindness, and compassion. Beautiful memories of Mary Frances will forever live in the hearts of her family and friends.

She was educated in the Stanly County Public Schools. She furthered her education at Barber Scotia College, Concord, NC. As a proud and resolute para-professional for the Stanly County Board of Education, she was committed to assisting and providing high quality education to the children in the Richfield Elementary School.

A servant of God, Mary Frances accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, Richfield, North Carolina. There she served as the church secretary until her health declined. She was a member of the former Order of the Eastern Star (PHA) Chapter New London Lodge #503. In her past time, she enjoyed watching sports (football and basketball), reading, baking delicious cakes and pies, making floral arrangements and loving on her children and grandchildren.

She has joined her parents, former husband, Thomas Stokes Sr.; son, Thomas Stokes Jr., daughter, Gwendolyn Stokes, and siblings: Eddie Drye, Helen Lilly, Grace Simon, and Edwin Drye in a place of tranquility and peace.

Loving and fond memories will forever be cherished by her husband, John D. Edwards; son, Kenneth (Sheila) Stokes; grandchildren: LaTonya Gilmore, Brett (Sheana) Stokes, Brandon Stokes (Angela Sanders), D'Mitri Stokes, Samantha Stokes, Bianca Stokes; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters: Juanita Hearne, Jessie Davis, Christine (Willie) Cagle, Dorothy Watts, Bertha Blanding, Montesse (Harry) Craig, Barbara Drye, Janet Butler, Lora Clark, and Joyce (Aaron) Wright; brothers: Robert (Denise) Drye Jr. and Felix (Doretha) Drye; step-children: Barry Edwards and Patricia Walton; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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