Mary Louise Edwards

EDWARDS, Mary Louise, the daughter of Clifton and Veta Mae Curry, was born on March 21, 1943 in Meridian, Mississippi. She attended West End Elementary School (K-6), Wheeler Jr. High (7-8), and Harris High School (9-12), all in Meridian, MS. Louise was an outstanding student. After graduation she attended Booker T. Washington Business College in Birmingham, AL.

Mary Louise then attended Alcorn State College for two years. She missed her boyfriend Ralph so much that she left Alcorn after two years and enrolled at Jackson State University to join him. This is where she completed her Bachelors Degree. After graduation, Louise began teaching second grade at Mary Johnson Elementary School. She taught there for 2 years.

On July 5, 1962, Mary Louise was wed in Holy Matrimony to Ralph Davis Edwards whom she had known since Kindergarten. They attended their 7th and 8th grade Prom as their first "Big Dance". They have been married for 52 wonderful years!

Mary Louise began the Masters Program at The University of Cincinnati in Guidance and Counseling. She completed and earned her Master of Science Degree. Once completed, Ralph and Louise permanently moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in August 1966 where she began teaching at Roosevelt Elementary School for Cincinnati Public Schools.

Mary Louise and Ralph were blessed with two children, Rodney Doyle Edwards and Ronique Deshae Edwards. Louise named both children after Ralph using his initials RDE. She was a mother who loved her family and her children.

Lou, as she was called by close friends and family, had a host of friends, but two were not just friends. They were the sisters she never had. Wyvette Jordan, who had been her sister friend since they had attended Alcorn State College in Mississippi and Marlene Earhart who taught with her in the Cincinnati Public School system. Both of these outstanding ladies helped to care for Louise during her years of illness. They were both friends that loved Louise and her family and she loved them.

What would we ask you to remember about Louise? She loved her family dearly! Her family was her pride and joy. Louise was a well dressed woman and believed in dressing her children the same way. She was a dedicated member of Chums Inc. and St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church. Louise was a kind, gentle hearted woman who loved unconditionally and rolled with the punches. She never raised her voice even when disheartened.

Louise leaves to grieve husband, Ralph Edwards; son, Rodney Edwards (Maria); and daughter, Ronique (Kristopher) Smith. She leaves her grandchildren, Rashon, Mariah, Mia, Kyla, Kandis, Kristopher Jr. and Kendal. Louise also leaves behind her brothers, Clifton Germaine (Wilma) Curry and Malcus (Cynthia) Curry along with her nephews, Christopher and Colton Curry and niece, Calise Curry. She also leaves behind two aunts, Charlie Mae Ray and Annie Laura Harrison both of New Orleans, LA; special cousins, Jacqueline (Lionel) Ellison and Trinette (Gerald) Jackson; and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends who will all miss her infectious smile and comforting conversations.

May God Bless all who have been touched by this amazing woman!!!


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