Christina Mae Edwards

Christina Mae Edwards, 90, passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2025 at Belleville Memorial Hospital with her family at her side. She was born on July 27th, 1934 in Murphysboro, IL to Tony and Adeline Young. Christina was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church. She lived a life full of love, kindness, and unwavering strength, touching the lives of all who knew her. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo, IL, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Leesman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the family. Christina graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1952. She then pursued her bachelor's degree in Education at SIU Carbondale, launching her teaching career in Coulterville, IL. She later taught in Columbia, IL, before concluding her dedicated career at Dupo High School in 1994. After retirement, Christina found happiness in tending to her garden, picking fresh strawberries, and canning an abundance of vegetables. She cherished crafting and looked forward to her weekly quilting gatherings. Whether she was preparing delicious family meals, nurturing her garden, or embracing her creative passions, she did so with a warm heart and a generous spirit. And let's not forget—she loved a good shopping day and never turned down a lively game of Rummy-O! Christina was a devoted Tigers fan, never missing a football game as she cheered on her sons from the stands. Her unwavering support was always accompanied by her signature cheer—'Whoo Whoo!'—a rallying cheer her family and fellow fans will never forget. On January 25, 1958, in Murphysboro, IL, Christina married John F. Edwards Jr. He sadly passed away on December 13, 1999, preceding her in death. She is lovingly remembered by her cherished family, including her three sons: John F. 'Jay' Edwards III and his wife Kimberly, Michael Edwards and his wife Polly, and Mark Edwards. As a devoted grandmother, she brought warmth and guidance to John F. 'Jack' Edwards IV, Curtez (Megan) Edwards, Maxim Edwards, Haley (Nash) Bell, Rachael (Michael) Walsh, Lydia (Tim) Fleischauer, Ronnie (Nikki) Bennett, BreighAnna (Andrew) Maynard, Nathanael Edwards, and Austin Oxendine. Her legacy continues through her adored great-grandchildren: RyLee, Andy, and Isaac Maynard; Ava and Cameron Bennett; Carson and Scottie Fleischauer; Barrett Oxendine; and Yessi Edwards, whose lives she enriched with wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love. She will also be fondly remembered by her beloved cat, Willie. She was preceded in death by her parents Tony and Adeline Young and John and Lucy Edwards. Christina's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved. Her kindness, strength, and devotion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Christina Mae Edwards

July 27, 1934 - May 18, 2025