Edna Marie Edwards, 92, of San Mateo, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, surrounded by her loving family in San Mateo. The daughter of Deacon William Buxton and Marie Townsend, she was born on Wednesday, February 18, 1931, in San Mateo. She was affectionately known as "Madea", "Sister Edwards" and "Deaconess Edwards" to the many people who knew her. She was a dedicated soldier in God's army. Mrs. Edna was a lifelong member of Second Mount Tabor Baptist Church, San Mateo. Until her health declined, she was a loyal member, serving in many capacities including: Sunday school teacher and secretary, Deaconess, Homecoming chair, and organist/pianist where she played and sang to the glory of God for 70 plus years.

Subsequent to her retirement from the Putnam County School District as a bus driver and as a food service employee, Mrs. Edwards worked at McMillan Transportation, Battered Women's Center and Child Resources.

She was the matriarch and a wonderfully devoted mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in eternal rest by her husband of 55 years, John W. Edwards, Sr.; son, James L. Edwards; sisters, Hazel Wims and Hazel White;  brothers, Elder James Williams and Edward Starks.

She leaves to cherish the memories and continue her legacy of faith, hope and love: children: John W. (Janette) Edwards, Jr., Alice (Thomas) Edwards-Brown, Jackie (Audrey) Edwards, Kenneth (Marilyn) Edwards, Carl (Kellie) Edwards, Kevin Edwards, Terrence Edwards; twenty grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; siblings: Carol Riley, Janet Starks, Ronald Starks, Larry Starks; devoted sisters-in-law: Georgia McDonald and Esther (Otis) McBride; loving godchildren: Shirley Eubanks and Marshall Sheffield; a devoted friend: Christall Azcarate and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public visitation: 5-7 p.m. with a memorial tribute at 6 p.m., Friday, May 12, at Flagg's Chapel of Serenity. Celebration of Life: 2 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave., Palatka. Pastor Jackie Edwards, Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Ft. Pierce, is the eulogist. Interment: Old San Mateo Cemetery, San Mateo.