Mary Theresa Forte Edwards

Mrs. Mary Theresa Forte Edwards, a native of Hattiesburg and a long-time resident of Long Beach, died Saturday, March 21, 2015 in Gulfport at the age of 93.
She was a devoted wife and mother who dedicated herself as a homemaker. She was a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, member of Friends of the Library in Long Beach, an avid bridge player, and Avon representative for many years.
She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church of Long Beach and a member of the Altar Society.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack ""J.P."" Edwards; her parents, Peter and Maria Forte; sisters, Celina Forte, Francis Williams, Margaret Kemper Van Gelder, Tena Sinclair and Delores Greenlee; and brothers, Jack Forte and Vincent Forte.
Survivors include her brother, Joe Forte (Nancy) of Hattiesburg; children, Jack P. Edwards (Gwen) of Moss Point, Charles M. ""Chuck"" Edwards (Kim) of Laurel, Bridget Pickering (Steve) of Long Beach and Charlotte Nealey of Stony Point, NC; grandchildren, Melanie Davila (Joe) of Pipe Creek, TX, Stephanie Edwards of Pascagoula, Gina Marie Bodden of Moss Point, Jack Paul Edwards IV of Moss Point, Chad Edwards of Heidelberg, Chase Edwards (Rebecca) of Laurel, Cameron Edwards (Brandi) of Laurel, Christopher Pickering of Long Beach and Katie Boren of Gulfport, and great-grandchildren, Andrew Purdy, Jacob Faucette, Lauren Davila, Isabella Edwards, Mary Grace Bodden and Thomas Vann Bodden.
The family expresses their thanks to her caregivers, Nelda Ladner, Janell Wilson, Janice Scarborough and Gail Bearden.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior on Tuesday, March 24 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Long Beach.
The Graveside Service will be at 2:30 p.m. at Highland Park Cemetery in Hattiesburg.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Long Beach served the family and tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com