Mary Alice Edwards was born July 14, 1929, to Mattie Mae McArthur Hailey and James William Hailey at their residence in Steele, Missouri. She passed away on April 17, 2025, at Southgate Living Center in Caruthersville, MO. She was 95 years of age.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James William and Mattie Hailey, one son: Harold Willis, stepdaughter: Chris Jean Willis Smith, five siblings: JW Hailey, Roxy Bailey, Joseph "Booney" Hailey, Jimmy, and Jerry Hailey.

Mary Alice married Harold Eugene Willis of Caruthersville on August 25, 1946, and they made their home in Caruthersville. She was the mother of Harold Eugene Willis, Jr., Brenda Willis Mott, and Ralph Anvert Willis. She was the stepmother of Chris Jean Willis Smith, who preceded her in death in 1995. She became a Christian on December 18, 1950. She lived her life obeying the gospel.

She leaves the following behind to cherish her memory:

Daughter: Brenda (James) Mott of Caruthersville, MO.

One Son: Ralph (Bernice) Willis of Columbia, MO.

One Brother: Billy Joe Hailey

One Sister: Willie Ruth Muse of Poplar Bluff, MO.

Grandchildren: Regina Diane, Eddie, Brian, Lance, Van, Carole, Mark, Paula, Roger, Tommy, Bobby, Melissa, James Jr., Wesley, and Diane.

And a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Special Great Great Grandchildren: Riley Floyd and Morgan Mott

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Church of Christ in Caruthersville, MO. with Pastor Mike McDaniel officiating. Burial was in Little Prairie Cemetery in Caruthersville. Pallbearers were family and friends.

John W. German Funeral Home of Hayti in charge of services.