Mary Edwards

Mary Elizabeth Kirkman Edwards, 73 of Garner, North Carolina, passed away on August 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family to whom she devoted her life.

Mary was born on May 11, 1953, in Pleasant Garden, North Carolina, to Allen and Ruth Kirkman. She grew up on the Kirkman Family Dairy Farm alongside her 3 brothers (David, Jay and Charles) and sister Dianne. An upbringing that helped shape the quiet strength, resilience, and devotion to family that would characterize her life.

Mary earned her teaching degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and began her professional life as a teacher. After becoming a mother, she chose to devote herself to raising her children and caring for her family. Although she stepped away from the classroom, Mary never stopped being a teacher. She taught through her words, her example, her faith and the way she lived her life.

On December 31, 1973, Mary married the love of her life, Steven Dale Edwards. Together they built a marriage that spanned more than 52 years and a family that became the center of Mary's world. Her faithfulness to her husband and her unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren were among the greatest expressions of who she was. She consistently sacrificed and put the needs of others over her own.

Mary's Christian faith was the foundation of her life. Her church homes over the years included Centre Friends Meeting in North Carolina, Berclair Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and First Baptist Church of Garner, NC. She faithfully served through ministries including Mothers Day Out, Girls in Action and Sunday School and made sure her children were raised knowing the importance of faith, prayer, service, and a relationship with God. She was a fierce prayer warrior for the people she knew and loved and a steady, calming presence for those around her.

Mary was quiet and reserved by nature, but those who knew her best understood the remarkable strength behind her gentle spirit. She never needed to be the center of attention, instead, she quietly cared for those around her. Her kindness, intelligence, patience, courage and faith made her an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend.

Mary found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved beautiful flowers, especially daylilies, and could appreciate (and name) every plant in the garden. The one she spent the most time in was the one her and Steve built together "Just One More" that had over 400 varieties of daylilies. She loved reading and was perfectly content settled into her favorite chair with a good book. She enjoyed traveling and taking road trips, finding a good deal, spending time at the beach, and simply sitting and listening to the ocean.

More than anything, Mary treasured time with the people she loved. She didn't need an elaborate occasion or a carefully planned activity. Being together was enough. Quality time with her family brought her tremendous joy.

Mary is survived by her husband, Steven Dale Edwards; her son, Steven Sterling Edwards and his wife Christina Marie Edwards; her daughter Christina Elizabeth Garner and her husband Joseph Michael Garner; and her daughter Jennifer Dianne McGarry and her husband Sean Patrick McGarry.

She was a deeply loved Grandma to seven grandchildren: Abigail Elizabeth Garner, Declan Patrick McGarry, Keegan Caroline McGarry, Charlotte Ruth Garner, Grayson James Edwards, Lincoln James Cahill McGarry, and Caroline Marie Edwards. Each of them carries forward a piece of the love, faith, strength and legacy she poured into her family.

Mary is also survived by her brothers, Charles "Charlie" Clinton Kirkman and James Allen Kirkman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen Howard and Ruth Elizabeth Kirkman; her brother David Lynn Kirkman; and her sister, Dianne Kirkman Marshall.

Mary's life was not defined by how loudly she lived it, but by how deeply she loved. Her legacy can be found in the family she nurtured, the children she taught and raised, the prayers she faithfully offered, the flowers she tended and the countless quiet acts of service that often went unnoticed, and the faith she demonstrated throughout her life.

To her family, she was a source of comfort, wisdom, prayer, and unconditional love. Mary will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and carried forward through the lives of the people she loved so well.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to Centre Friends Meeting, 325 NC-62 East, Greensboro, NC 27406.