Mary Lynn Edwards

Mary Lynn Edwards, lovingly known as Lynn and affectionately called “Marmie” by her family — a name inspired by her beloved book Little Women — passed peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born Mary Lynn Wheatly in Hodge, Louisiana, in 1937 to Frank Stewart “Bo” Wheatly and Jessie Alvirne York Wheatly.

Lynn devoted her life to caring for others. She attended Tulane University, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She began her career at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and spent decades serving others as a social worker, hospice counselor, grief counselor, victim advocate for abused women through DART in Lincoln Parish, and suicide hotline volunteer. Whether comforting families through grief, helping victims rebuild their lives, or guiding someone through their darkest moments, Lynn lived a life defined by compassion, kindness, and service to others.

She married the love of her life, Raymond “Round” Edwards of Mansfield, Louisiana. Together they built a life rooted in family, faith, resilience, and love. In 1967 they welcomed their son, Raymond Todd Edwards, while living in Ruston, Louisiana. Raymond’s work later took the family to Many, Louisiana, before they returned to Ruston in 1979, where Lynn and Raymond remained together until Raymond’s passing in 2007.

In 2010, Lynn moved to Stonewall, Louisiana, to be closer to her son and family. There she spent the remainder of her years doing what she loved most — opening both her home and her heart to those she loved. Her home became a gathering place filled with conversation, laughter, good food, warmth, and unconditional love. No one ever left Lynn’s house without feeling welcomed, cared for, and probably encouraged to stay just a little longer.

Nothing brought Lynn greater joy than her family. She deeply loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. She shared an especially close bond with her first great-granddaughter, Miriam Fuhrmann, who always held a unique place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bo and Jessie Wheatly; her beloved husband, Raymond Edwards; her sisters, Gwen and Martha; her brothers-in-law, John, Eddy, and Bob; and her nephew, Kenneth.

She is survived by her son, Raymond Todd Edwards, and wife Diana “Jeannie”; her sister-in-law, Dorothy; grandchildren Tony, Tim, Joe, Jessica, and Thomas; great-grandchildren Miriam, Prairie, Leona, and Cooper; nephews Douglas and David; nieces Karen and Jamie; along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and caring spirit.

Mary Lynn Edwards spent her life helping others find comfort, hope, and peace. Her gentle strength, unwavering compassion, and enduring love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.