Mary "Lousie" Edwards

Mary Louise Abernathy Edwards, known to many as “Louise”, was born February 19, 1936 to Queen Esther Abernathy in Nashville, Tennessee. Her husband, Lee Andrew Edwards, Jr. preceded her in death. Louise departed this life on August 9, 2018.

Louise was educated in Nashville Public Schools. She was a proud graduate of Pearl High School. She later met and married the late Lee Andrew Edwards, Jr. with whom she raised four beautiful children.

Louise professed hope in Christ at an early age. She was a proud, faithful, and active member of Jefferson St. Missionary Baptist Church for over 70 years, serving as President of the Usher Board and Mother Board for many years.

Louise retired from Metro Government in 1998 after many years of dedicated service with the Department of Social Services Homemaker Division. She spent her retirement enjoying caring for her grandchildren and traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved spending time with the ladies of the Golden Girls Social Club and the Red Hat Society.

Louise was preceded in death by son, Kenneth Edwards. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Karen (James) Shaw Sr. and Kristen Edwards of Nashville, TN and Kelli (Paul) Clayton of McDonough, GA; grandchildren, Ayana, Jamila, Dalila, Dalili, Brittani, Brina’, James Jr., Mari Ashley, Jordan, Mark, Asiah and Maya; eighteen great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; brother, James Abernathy of Menomonee Falls, WI; devoted cousin, Ethel Holbert; honorary son, Howard Jones, Jr.; loving caregivers, Diane Watson, Molly Gift, Barbara Smith, and Sylvia Tharpe; and a host of dear family, friends, and church members especially the Ushers and Mother’s Boards of Jefferson St. Missionary Baptist Church.