Mary A. Edwards-Warren

Mary Anna Hill Edwards-Warren, born on September 8, 1934, to the late Eva Mae Hall Hill Keets and Floyd Anthony Hill, Sr, peacefully departed this world on October 26, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Martha Wellons, Paul Hill, and Floyd Anthony Hill, Jr. She now joins her son, Willis Lloyd Edwards, III in eternal rest.

 Mary’s early life was shaped by the rural charm of growing up in a farming community in Isle of Wight County. She attended school within the county system but withdrew at the end of her tenth year to support her family with chores on the farm. This early sacrifice marked the beginning of a life defined by devotion, love and unwavering commitment to her loved ones.

 In a story of enduring love, Mary married her cherished Bubba, Willis Lloyd Edwards, Jr., with whom she shared 42 beautiful years and was affectionately called “Puddin” until his passing in December 1994. Their union was blessed with seven children who were the pride and joy of Mary’s life: Mary Denise Mason (George), Linda Dianne Brown (Keith), the late Willis Lloyd Edwards III (Carolyn), Marjorie Bonita Branham, Carol Leticia Lyttle (Glenn), Barbara Michelle Burrell (John), and Stephanie Lazette Edwards. As a mother, Mary was immaculate, a homemaker whose devotion and teachings left an indelible mark on her children’s lives. She instilled in them the values of faith, love and diligence.

 Mary’s work history was marked by dedication and resilience. She began her career as a cafeteria worker with Isle of Wight County Public Schools and later joined Gwaltney Meat Packing Company in Smithfield, VA. However, as her family grew, she chose to step away from employment to devote herself to the meaningful role of mother and caregiver to her children. Once her youngest entered first grade, Mary returned to work to support her husband in meeting the financial needs of their household of seven children. She secured a position at Louise Obici Memorial Hospital, where she served as a Domestic Engineer in the Housekeeping Department. Remarkably, Mary worked there for 19 years without missing a single day. Known for her kind, caring demeanor and strong work ethic, Mary was recognized by hospital administration and chosen to appear in a commercial for the hospital’s major publicity campaign. She retired in 1995, leaving a legacy of loyalty and compassion in her workplace and her family.

 Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devout Christian, she led her family to join Shiloh Baptist Church, Windsor, VA. where she served faithfully as a choir member and Deaconess. Her passionate praise earned her the affectionate nickname “Shouting John,” a testament to her fervent spirit and unyielding devotion to the Lord. She often proclaimed, “No rocks will cry out for me!” – a reflection of her deep and abiding faith.

 After the loss of her beloved Bubba, Mary found love again with John T. Warren, embracing his family as her own. She became a cherished mother to John’s sons: John (Lyn), Steve (Jung), Jesse (Denise), Brian (Nick) and Gary and daughter Dorothy Hamlin. Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, faith and mutual respect. Mary was known for her wonderful sense of humor, her generous spirit, and her ability to find joy in the simplest of things. She enjoyed attending church with John and became a welcomed part of his family’s church fellowship at St. Paul Holiness Church in Sedley, VA.

 Mary’s love and legacy extends to her cherished grandchildren: Shanece, Tasha, Keith Jr. (Aisha), CJ, LJ (Crystal), Derek (Kenzie), Tremayne, Marcus, Jamar (Laquasha), Keira, LaToya (Antuan), Imani, Willis IV, Chloe, Marshall, Kaheem, Precious, Tyneaka, Ashley, Whitney, Brenton, Mitchell, Sharlay, Jasmine, Jamal, Jesse, Latonia, and Alfonso. She also leaves behind her great and great-great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy and pride.

 Mary is survived by her two loving sisters, Eva Pearl Clinton (Ernest) and Virginia Wise and her sisters-in-love, Reverend Easter Edwards, Elder Sharon Revell and Joyce Ann Hill. Her memory will also be cherished by her nieces, nephews and cousins to include a devoted cousin Sadie Copeland. She leaves behind many wonderful friends, among them devoted friends Barbara Fleming, Lillie Green and Laverne Temple who provided rides and loving care as she attended the Senior Café in Richmond, VA.

 In her later years, as her health began to decline, she was cared for by her daughter and best friend Bonnie. Mary later moved to Richmond, VA where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Linda and son-in-love Keith. She was blessed by the support of all her daughters who consistently availed themselves whenever Linda needed their assistance. Mary cherished the time spent with her daughters when able to go on their fun-filled mother-daughter weekend excursions. During this time, she continued to enrich the lives of those around her, attending Gravel Hill Baptist Church – South Richmond when her health permitted and the Senior Café, where she forged lasting friendships and shared her unwavering faith with all who would listen. Her mini sermons on the goodness of God and blessing of their meals before lunch at Senior Café were a source of inspiration and comfort to many.

 Mary Anna Hill Edwards Warren leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion. Her life was a testament to the power of family, the importance of faith, and the joy that comes from a heart filled with love. She will be deeply missed but will be forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, viewing will take place from 3-6pm with words of reflection from 5-6pm at Shiloh Baptist Church Windsor, VA. At 11am on Saturday, November 2, 2024, a Celebration of Life will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church. Please keep the Edwards-Warren family in your thoughts and prayers.