Mary Lee Edwards

Mary Lee Edwards (Baker), 83, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on June 30, 2026.

Mary was born on August 19, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Sallie Louise Baker and the late Lon Eddie Baker Sr.

She was a 1960 graduate of Pearl High School in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1970, she relocated to Lima, Ohio with her family, seeking a better life and new opportunities for her children.  There, she raised her five children and built a strong foundation centered on love, resilience, and perseverance.

During her working years, she was employed by Ford Motor Company for 25 years.  After being laid off, she briefly relocated to the Sharonville Plant in Cincinnati, Ohio before being recalled to Lima to continue her work at the Ford Motor Plant, where she later retired.  Following her retirement, she discovered a passion for crafting, often creating and gifting her handmade pieces to others.  Encouraged by those who admired her talent, she pursued certification and went on to establish her own crafting business, sharing her creativity with the community.

She also developed a deep love for gardening, a passion that brought her great joy, and became a source of pride.  Her yard was so admired by many, often drawing compliments from neighbors and passerby alike.  Through her dedication and care,
She not only cultivated beauty in her own space but also inspired those around her to take pride in their own homes and surroundings.

Having developed a deep fondness for Cincinnati, she chose to return 13 years ago, where she remained and enjoyed the later years of her life surrounded by family and loved ones.

Mary was a woman of faith. At an early age, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized.  Throughout her life, she remained devoted to her faith and served Christ faithfully in the church.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her children: Marnita Nichols, Tracie (John) James, Brigitte Edwards, Sherry Wiggins, and William (Allyson) Wiggins Jr. She also lovingly adopted her biological grandson, Angelo Wiggins, and was instrumental in the care and upbringing of her granddaughter, Angel Young, working alongside other family members in her care and support.

She was blessed with a legacy of eleven grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

She also shared a special bond with two younger women whom she lovingly considered as daughters, Sharon Harris and Terry Jean Herron Walton.

She is also survived by her siblings: Harry Baker, Joyce Kittrell, Brenda Jennings, and Cynthia (Robert) Shelton.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Shirley Prince, and her brother, Lon Eddie Baker Jr.

She also leaves to cherish her memory two special friends who were like sisters to her:  Ann Ackles and Susan Lott.

She is also survived by her paternal aunt, Frances Martess Pinchon of Huntsville, Alabama, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, as well as her beloved granddog, Be-nard.

The family would like to extend special recognition and heartfelt gratitude to Mary’s devoted son-in-law and daughter-in-law, John James and Allyson Wiggins, for their unwavering love, care, and support of their mother.

They would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to DaVita West Hamilton Dialysis for the compassionate care they provided Mary during her extended illness.

A “Homegoing Celebration” will be held on July 11, 2026, at noon at Hope Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. The viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Repass will follow the services at 2:00 p.m., downstairs in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Thompson Hall & Jordan Funeral Home, Cincinnati, Ohio. She will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery (Mausoleum), Lima, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation for the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time.