Mrs. Lula Edwards, after blessing us for 89 years, found sweet rest with the Master on Sunday morning, November 13, 2005. The 5th of 10 children born from the loving union of Ollie and Mary Hudson arrived on June 18, 1916 in Purcell, Oklahoma. She grew up with her siblings in Purcell, where she worshipped at the United First Baptist Church. Sister Lula was blessed with a daughter, Ellen Gay, whom she loved dearly. They shared a very special bond. After moving to Muskogee, she met and later married Allen Ed Edwards, who preceded her in death. Shortly after arriving in Muskogee, she joined the Little Rose Baptist Church., where she served the Lord faithfully for over 50 years and was affectionately referred to as the Mother of the Church. She worked tirelessly for many years in the Progressive Creek District, as well as many other areas of service. She touched the lives of a special family, which she took care of for many generations; John and Lynn Rowsey and their children who stood by her faithfully until the end of her time with us. Mrs. Edwards was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, 4 brothers and a great-great-granddaughter. She leaves in God's care; her devoted daughter and son-in-law, John and Ellen Stephenson; a sister, Millie Richardson, Kansas City, MO; 2 brothers, Scotty and William Hudson, Oklahoma City, OK; 3 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a very dear friend, who was like a daughter, Loretta and Elmer Reed; and a host of other relatives, church family and friends. The Celebration honoring Mrs. Edwards will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 902 Rutherford. The gracious host Pastor, Rev. David Ragsdale, Officiant and Rev. Ernest E. Lambert, Eulogist. The Christian committal will follow in the National Cemetery at Ft. Gibson at 1:00 P.M. You may visit "Mother Edwards" as she slumbers at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Wednesday from 12 Noon until 6 PM. Casket bearers will be Delbert Jackson, Sr., Delbert Jackson, Jr., Eric Stephenson, Steven Jackson, J. L. Johnson and Cornelius Edwards.