Mary Elizabeth Edens

Mary Elizabeth Copeland Edens, daughter of the late Rev. Joseph H. and Ethel Copeland, was born on February 14, 1920 in Portsmouth, VA. She departed this life on January 11, 2009 after a lengthy illness.At an early age she accepted the Lord and was baptized and received her education in Portsmouth, VA. At the age of twelve Mary was deeply rooted in the knowledge of the Bible and could quote all sixty-six books of the Bible. She taught children’s Christian education under the leadership of Dr. Handy.In 1936 Mary met the love of her life Henry A. Edens, Sr. The young couple move Wilmington, NC. Where their first child, a son was born. Later they relocated to Baltimore, MD. Where nine siblings were born. She was preceded in death by her daughter Joyce Massey; two sisters Vernice Hopkins and Aretta Dunham and a brother Andrew Copeland.Mary joined the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Baltimore, MD where she was a member fir twenty-two years. Later she joined the Little Ark Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Matthew Marcus, Sr. She was a member of the senior choir and later became a deaconess. Her husband started a mission, which she named Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church. At Prince of Peace she was the First Lady and organist. After her husband retired from the Ministry, they moved their membership back to Ark Church under the leadership of Dr. James L. Carter.Mary was a super mom, a meticulous homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and playing her piano. Mary was a very caring person who loved to acknowledge birthdays for family and friends. Mary’s favorite scripture was Isaiah 9:6. Mary could often be heard singing the songs of Zion. Mary was a quiet and loving person. She loved the Lord and instilled in her children Christian values.She leaves to cherish her memory; her loving husband of seventy-two years, Pastor Emeritus Henry A. Edens Sr. two sons, Henry H.Edens Jr. and Marvin Edens; six daughters, Vernice (Thomas) Thaniel of Highland Springs, VA., Mildred (Gilton) Pitts of Hampstead, NC., Gilda Woodard, Cynthia (Roland) Carrington of Shrewsbury, PA, Sheila (William) Butts and Beverly Edens; sixteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, twelve great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Rev. Joseph H. Copeland Jr.( Lillian) of Portsmouth, VA and Rev. Edward Copeland (Mary) of Lawton, OK; four sisters, Ethel Ellis (Herman) of Portsmouth, VA; Lillie Baysmore of Chesapeake, VA; Florence Sawyer of Chesapeake, VA and Annie (Eugene) Jones of Portsmouth, VA; a host of other relatives, friends and her church family.

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Mary Elizabeth Edens

February 14, 1920 - January 11, 2009