Marion Harrity Edwards

Marion Harrity Edwards, age 81 of Paris, TN, died Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at her residence.

Marion, the fifth of seven children, was born in 1939 and reared in a close-knit, Irish American family in South Philadelphia, PA. Gifted with a magnetic personality, even at an early age she could often be found surrounded by neighborhood children, recipients of her out pour of life-giving love and support. At 19, she married the love of her life, Jessie, with whom she shared a sixty-year adventure. With that brought their greatest blessings-their children, Cindy, Jess, Tim, and their many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Prior to settling down in Paris, she traveled around the country and across the world in support of Jessie’s service in the US Navy. She never met a stranger was a great giver to many and served in her church’s Legion of Mary. She loved to read and travel, but most of all she loved spending quality time with family.

Marion was born November 15, 1939, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late John Harrity and to the late Margaret Rodgers Harrity.

She married on January 17, 1959, to Jessie Ray Edwards, Sr., who preceded her in death January 14, 2019.

Marion is survived by one daughter, Cindy Edwards Mercado of Paris; two sons, Jessie Ray (Irvina) Edwards, Jr. of Davis, CA and Tim (Julie) Edwards of Paris; two sisters, Kathleen Lonenhagen of PA and Eileen Lawless of PA; three brothers, John Harrity of PA, Andrew Harrity of SC, and Charles Harrity of PA; 8 grandchildren, Jon Mercado, Briana Mercado, Michael Mercado, Erin Edwards, Larry Milliken, Emil Milliken, Jake Edwards, and Jessica Berry; 17 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Margaret Galloway.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN 38242. Her visitation will be Friday, September 24, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at

Ridgeway Funeral Home. Her Funeral Mass will be Friday, September 24, 2021, at 12 p.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Father Martin Orjianioke officiating.

Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Burial will follow in Allmond Cemetery in Paris.

In lieu of flowers, family would like for everyone to donate to a charity of your choice.