Mary Adams Edwards was born February 9, 1937 to the late Alex and Rosa R. Adams in Cleveland County, NC. She departed this life on Monday, March 28, 2016 at Testa Family Hospice House in Kings Mountain, NC.

She graduated from Compact High School, Kings Mountain, NC in 1956 where she attended Cleveland Community College, Shelby, NC and received her degree in Child Education. Mary joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church at an early age. At Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Mary Loved singing with the Gospel Choir, serving as Missionary President, Young Adult Director, a Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School Director.

Mary was a very active community advocate. She formerly served as Director of Cleveland County Head Start, member of the Cleveland County Board of Elections, worked for the Kings Mountain Housing Authority , Hospice of Cleveland County and member of the NAACP Shelby Chapter.

She leaves to celebrate fond and loving memories, one daughter, Denise Edwards of Charlotte, NC; five sons, Hiawatha C. Beam and Calvin Edwards of Charlotte, NC, John (Jett) K. Edwards (Kyoko) of Japan, Michael T. Edwards (Cynthia) and Nitural A. Edwards of Kings Mountain, NC. Four sister-in-laws Martha Adams, Mary J. Adams, Mary J. Adams and Mary F. Adams of Kings Mountain, NC and Mozella (Clarence) Coulter of Lincolntion, NC. Mary also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends.