Mabel Jewell (Jones) Edwards

Mabel J. Harper Edwards, 87, of Alton Ill., passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 28, 2013, 10:55 p.m.,  surrounded by her loving family.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Vickery Funeral Chapel in Equality.  Visitation for Mabel will begin at 2 p.m. until service time at 3 p.m.  Rev. Bill Jones will be officiating.  Graveside service will be private.  Mabel will be laid to rest at Raleigh Masonic Cemetery in Raleigh.  Mabel Jewell Jones was born August 14, 1926 in Galatia,  to Joseph Clyde Jones and Evelyn (Akins) Jones.  Mabel was also blessed to be able to call Virginia Jennings Jones her mother as well (after her mother’s departure in 1930).  She always said Virginia was her mother and best friend.  As a child, Mabel’s fondest memories were with her dad, square dancing around town at the neighboring houses.  This fostered a love of dance in Mabel that lasted a lifetime.  Mabel cherished family and friends.  They were always most important to her. August 3, 1946, Mabel married Wayne Harper in Alton.  She owned and operated M.J. Harper Insurance Agency in Alton for many years.  Mabel’s greatest love was born July 22, 1960, they named her Pamela Marlene.  Pam gave Mabel three precious gifts in 1980-81, Derek James, Layla Sue, and Kelly Jewell.  In February 1985 she married Edward N. Edwards.  They moved to Hardin County in 1989, where she made her home for many years.  Mabel was also blessed to have six great grandchildren;  Hannah Jewell Heinz, Keely Jaxyn Hobbs, Ashleigh Rose Shell, Weston Allen Greer, Kaden Heath Hobbs, and Drayke Kevin Shell.  They truly were the light of her life.  Mabel was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alton, and proudly told family of the pew that she and Wayne had bought together at the church so many years before.  Mabel was a loved and respected insurance agent all over Illinois for most of her life.  She loved her life’s work and was passionate about it, and the people she worked to serve.  They were like family to her, and she spoke highly of so many of them long after retirement.  Mabel was preceded in death by both husbands; her parents; two sisters, Barbara Ann Anderson and Wanda Lou Erixon; a brother,  Joe Junior Jones and also best friend Anna McBroom.  She is survived by her sister, Judith Kay Parsons, beloved daughter and son-in-law Pam and Kevin Masten. Three grandchildren Derick (Tracy) Heinz, Layla Shell, Kelly (Heath) Hobbs, and six great grandchildren. She also left behind special cousins Bill Jones and Norma Hazel and cherished friend Della Darlene Austin. Internet condolences may be sent to the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.