Mary Elizabeth Gray Hester Edwards was born on Nov. 11, 1921 at Rockwall, Texas, the daughter of James Andrew Gray and Amanda Louisa Thompson. She died Saturday, May 28, 2005, at Piggott Community Hospital at the age of 83.

On April 5, 1946, she married Gilbert Christman Hester. He preceded her in death on Jan. 21, 1978. She later married Harlan Kade Edwards on June 28, 1983, and he preceded her in death on Sept. 14, 2000.

She had been a teacher who retired after serving 38 years, the last 18 years in Campbell. She was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Kennett. She had been a past worthy matron of the Eastern Star in Malden.

Survivors include one son, Mike Hester of Dexter; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husband; and siblings, Murphy Gray, Arvel Gray, George Gray, Arnton Gray, J.B. Gray, Stella Mae Helgren, and an infant brother, J.A. Gray, Jr.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2005, at Landess Funeral Home in Malden.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, June 6,2005, at Landess Funeral Home in Malden with Rev. Vaughn Wright officiating.

Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Malden.