Mrs. Mary Elaine Spencer Edwards, age 90, a resident of Belhaven, died Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at her home.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at First Christian Church in Belhaven, conducted by Dr. Burke Holland and Pastor Stanley Allen. Burial will follow in Belhaven Community Cemetery, Belhaven.

Mrs. Edwards’ grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers: Todd Sparrow, Eric Sparrow, Jay Sparrow, Matthew Sparrow, Doug Dixon, Mike Bishop, Joseph Hudnell and Todd Waters.

Mrs. Edwards was born in Belhaven on June 20, 1928. She was the daughter of the late William Conrad Spencer and Mary Frances Cuthrell Spencer. Mrs. Edwards worked as a bookkeeper for J.E. Edwards Insurance Agency in Belhaven. She was a devoted member of First Christian Church. Mrs. Edwards served in many capacities in her church, including member and past president of the CWF, Elder Emeritus and Financial Secretary. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting, reading, crafts, cooking and spending time with her family, who she loved deeply.

Mrs. Edwards was married to James Ercelle “Polo” Edwards, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by three daughters: Ronica “Ronnie” Edwards Sparrow, of Grifton, Virginia, “Jenny” Edwards Bright and Laura Edwards Baker (Georgie), all of Belhaven;  11 grandchildren, Todd Sparrow (Angel), Eric Sparrow (Tyra), Jay Sparrow (Amy), Matthew Sparrow, Melody Bright Bell (Jody), Jill Bright Vernelson (Phil), LeAnn Bright Dixon (Doug), Jennifer Marslender (Michael), Angie Baker Bishop (Mike), Olivia Baker Hudnell (Joseph), Betsy Baker Waters (Todd); 22 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Rena Edwards Walker; caregiver, Wanda Ruark, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to the parents and husband, Mrs. Edwards was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Annabelle Lee Dixon; son-in-law, Doug Bright; three sisters, and two brothers.

The family will receive friends at the home, 1206 Day Beacon Drive, Belhaven.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 419 E. Main St., Belhaven, N.C.  27810 or Community Home Care and Hospice, 222 W. Stewart Parkway, Suite 100, Washington, N.C.  27889.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven is honored to serve the Edwards family.