Mrs. Mattie Bell Edwards, age 68, of 1312 Jane ST, Waycross, GA, formerly of Waynesville, GA, passed away on December 25, 2017 at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, GA.

Mattie Bell Sermon Edwards  was born  September 27, 1949 to Lois Sermon Middleton.  Preceding her in death were her parents, K.P. and Lois Middleton, and her husband Henry Edwards. Mattie  received her formal education in the Brantley Co. School System and the Waycross Public School   System. She retired from Champion after 30 years of  faithful service. Mattie was well known for her work ethic and commitment to her employers. Mattie joined First African Baptist Church of Waynesville at an early age and continued throughout her adulthood as a member of First AB. She served her church and church family in many capacities. Mattie was loved and adored by all she encountered. She was a strong matriarch and will be missed by her daughters, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory include three daughters, Carolyn Williams, and Kimberlyn Edwards both of Waycross Ga.;  Shonda Edwards-Newsome of Dothan Alabama. Her faithful companion, Leroy Smith Jr. of Waycross. 11 grandchildren, Latheresa Sermon (Jeff), Tribeyon Edwards (Leighshan), Delvin Dennis (Valerie), Marzadius Sermon, Quamay Sermon,  Alaycia McGauley, Xzavier Ealey, Brittney Ealey, Reggie O’hara Jr. and Devontae Williams , all of Waycross Ga.; Aisha Edwards of Latvia, Europe.   9 great grandchildren, Deshawn Bostick, Markayla Edwards, J.B. Nelson, King Edwards, Delvin Dennis Jr. Dontae Dennis, Lexington McGauley, Lauren Hayes, and Londyn O’hara. Special Friend, Minnie Wesley; Special Cousins, Clarence Lanier and Darlene Colley.  Mother-in Law, Estella Edwards.  Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Mrs. Mattie Bell Edwards will be held Friday December 29 from 6-8 p.m. at Rainge Memorial Chapel.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 30 at 11 a.m. at Southside Baptist Church. 550 School ST in Nahunta, GA. Minister Jerry Johns pastor, Minister J. Leggett of First African Baptist Church in Waynesville, GA will deliver the words of comfort. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery.

The cortege will assemble at the residence at 10 a.m.

Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc. 505 Ware ST, Blackshear, GA.