Mattie May Edwards

Mattie May Edwards, daughter of the late Leonard Lyon and Zelpha (Burke) Lyon, was born September 25, 1929 in La Habra, California. As a young girl, Mattie grew up on a farm near Stoutland, Missouri. She attended school in Stoutland and graduated from Stoutland High School with the Class of 1948. Shortly after graduating from high school, Mattie was united in marriage to Vernon Edwards. They shared several wonderful years together and were blessed with five boys: Vernon Lyons, John William, Lloyd “Brian”, Ronnie Dwayne, and Jim “Kevin”. Due to Vernon working with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Mattie and the family made several moves during the growing up years of their children. She set up households and raised her children in Missouri, New Mexico, Alaska, and Washington. She did work outside of the home at various times, but mostly was dedicated to her family’s needs and providing for them. After retiring, Mattie lived in Clovis, New Mexico for 15 years where she developed lifelong friendships and was very active in her church, Central Baptist Church. She enrolled in and earned an Associates Degree from Eastern New Mexico University in her early fifties. After her children were grown and living in various locations throughout the United States, she decided to move to Lebanon, Missouri to be close to her parents and extended family. Until no longer physically able, she enjoyed attending church, participating in Bible studies, and volunteering as a Candy Striper at the local hospital (St. John’s at the time) in Lebanon. Her helpful spirit and willingness to help others, was just an extension of a decision she had made early in her life. She had made a profession of faith and when she was physically able, she was always active in her church no matter where she was living at the time. In her spare time, Mattie enjoyed gardening, taking care of her houseplants, cooking, doing various arts and crafts and was an avid reader. Mattie went home to be with her Lord Wednesday, January 11, 2023 in the Richland Care Center of Richland, Missouri having attained the age of 93 years. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. Mattie leaves to cherish her memory, her two children: Ronnie D. Edwards (Kristina) of Nikiski, AK and Kevin Edwards (Kim) of Lees Summit, MO; eight grandchildren: Tony Edwards, Rabecca Spencer, Adam Edwards, Benjamin Ankrum, Samuel Ankrum, Smantha Edwards, Brian Edwards, and Isabella Edwards; seven great grandchildren: Emma Edwards, Maye Williams-Spencer, Natalie Murray, Aubrianna Edwards, Logan Edwards, Taylor Jade Howy, and Connor Scoles; two great-great grandchildren: Brenley Murray and James Murray; five siblings: Mary Lou Veith (Harry) of Schererville, IN, Esther Sherrer of Stoutland, MO, Ruby Noe of Richland, MO, Sally Thorburg of Waterloo, IL, and Dee Lyon of Columbia, IL; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Mattie was preceded in death by three children: Vernon Lyons Edwards, John William Edwards, and Lloyd “Brian” Edwards; one grandchild: James Edwards; three brothers: Campbell Lyon, Burke Lyon, and Gene Lyon; and three sisters: Floye Marie Knapp, Bettie Street, and Susan Sandidge. Even though she is gone from our sight, Mattie’s faith and love of family will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2023 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Burial will follow in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland, MO. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2023 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mattie Edwards and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Mattie May Edwards

September 25, 1929 - January 11, 2023