Niece Cox Edgeston

On Thursday, February 19th, 2026, at 10:25 p.m., God walked out into the garden and picked one of His roses and said, “You are tired Niece. Come home and take your rest.” Mother Niece “Mama Niece” Cox Edgeston was born on March 28, 1931, in Ripley, MS to Bessie Lee Cox and Bill Wilson McDonald. She accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age at Moses Chapel. After losing her birth parents prematurely, she was nurtured and taken in under the care of her uncle and aunt, Lymon and Mildred Adams. Mama Niece completed her education at Walnut Colored School. On September 18, 1947, she married the love of her life, the late Roy Ulysses Edgeston, and to this union, 7 children were born. During this time, the family relocated to the Ball Hill Community where they have resided for over 55 years. Mama Niece was a staple to the neighborhood, opening her home and heart to anyone she encountered. Her children and grandchildren were the highlight of her life. She has poured much love, wisdom, and knowledge into each of her family members. Mama Niece was employed as a seamstress at McGregor until her husband’s health began to decline. Thereafter, she was employed by McBride’s and McBride‘s Funeral Home for over 35 years. After marriage, Mama Niece became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where she was a devoted member of the choir, usher board, mission society, and served as a Sunday school teacher. Mama Niece loved the Lord. She was ready and willing to praise Him at any time. She traveled to many National Baptist Conventions and other singing programs. She always had a song of praise on her heart. Mama Niece later joined Rock Hill M.B. Church, where she was the president of the Mother Board and sponsor of the Musician’s Love Day. She remained a steadfast member, even up until her death. Mama Niece was also a member of Heroines of Jericho Court #553 and earned the title of Mother Matron. She leaves to cherish her memories, her children: Danny Thomas (Carolyn) Edgeston, of Tupelo, MS; Bobby Ray (Jessica) Edgeston, of Pocohontas, TN; Sharon Denise, James Douglas, and Carol Lavern Edgeston, all of Tiplersville, MS; Lisa (Michael) Prather of Falkner, MS; and Martha Beaty of Columbus, OH. She also leaves 38 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. Four sisters: Lois Strong (Ripley, MS), Betty Culp (Phoenix, AZ), Billie Adams-Polk and Peggy Adams (Amarillo, TX). Special Nephew: Trent Cox (Herford, TX); Special Nieces: Diane Cox (Milwaukee, WI), Dyrish Ann Johnson and Anita Blake (Tiplersville, MS), Maelean Boyles (Hornsby, TN); Special Friend: Mattie C. Bryant (St Louis, MO) Diane Flake ( Pocahontas, TN) ; God-Son: Manuel Carothers (Walnut, MS); God-daughter: Cassandra Adkins from Ripley, MS; Along with a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. One special niece Lilly Ruth (Lonnell) Perry. She is preceded in death by her parents, her uncle and aunt who raised her, her husband, two sons: Sammy Leroy and Billy Wayne Edgeston, 1 grandson, 3 great-grandsons, 4 brothers, and 2 sisters. The Edgeston Family would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to McBride Funeral Home and Staff, and to Mrs. Kelley Alberson for the kindness, care, and compassion shown to our family during the passing of our beloved Mother Niece Edgeston. During such a tender time for our family, your warmth and professionalism meant more to us than words can truly express. The memorial video was beautifully done and brought together so many precious memories of Mama's life, her love, and the legacy she leaves behind. It touched our hearts deeply and gave our family something we will cherish for years to come. Thank you for the patience, dignity, and grace you showed our family every step of the way. Your thoughtfulness helped us celebrate her beautiful life in a way that truly honored the wonderful woman she was. May God bless each of you for the comfort you brought our family. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18 With love and gratitude, The Edgeston Family The Edgeston Family would also like to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude to our family, friends, church family, and community for the love, prayers, support, and many acts of kindness shown during the passing of our beloved Mother Niece Edgeston. During this time of sorrow, every phone call, visit, meal, card, prayer, and comforting word meant more to us than we could ever fully express. Your presence, compassion, and generosity helped carry our family through a very difficult time and reminded us how blessed we are to be surrounded by such a loving community. Thank you to everyone who played a part in honoring Mama's life and legacy. Your kindness and support brought comfort to our hearts and will always be remembered with gratitude. May God bless each of you for the love you have shown our family. With heartfelt appreciation, The Edgeston Family

Niece Cox Edgeston

March 28, 1931 - February 19, 2026