Edna Marie Maberry

February 22, 1943 - December 15, 2024

Edna Marie Maberry arrived on February 22, 1943 to Fate and Marie (Surrett) Halbert in Hillsboro, Texas. Edna married the love of her life, Smitty Maberry, on June 23, 1978, and they made their home in Grand Prairie, Texas.

After a short and sudden illness accompanied by a rare blood disorder, Edna embarked on her final cruise to Heaven with her daughters and granddaughter by her side on December 15, 2024.

As a young woman, Edna briefly worked as a print model for Montgomery Wards. Following the birth and early childhood of her two beloved daughters, she returned to work and worked at Ben E. Keith for many years, before ultimately retiring from Vought Aircraft/Triumph Industries. She went to work shortly after for Lockheed Martin, where she retired in 2013 to enjoy retirement and frequent cruises with Smitty. In her spare time, Edna enjoyed crocheting blankets for friends and family, playing video poker, shopping, and cruising. A Carnival Cruise Lines platinum member who sailed with Carnival 75 times, she was a cherished friend and traveler on-ship. But mostly, she loved spending time with her family. She was most proud of her role as Gammaw to her five grandchildren and four great-grandsons. Edna was an outstanding country and western dancer and enjoyed dancing with the love of her life and best friend, Smitty.

Edna will be fondly remembered for her spunk, stubbornness and no-nonsense attitude; how she welcomed extra guests into her home at Thanksgiving and Christmas; the extreme love she had for her daughters and grandchildren; and, her outstanding relationship with her ex-husband, Earl Minchew, teaching everyone around them that exes can be true friends. Edna never hesitated when the people she loved were in need. She would jump up to make sure they were taken care of, whatever it took. She would even save bottle caps from her soft drinks to redeem points so she could give gifts, big and small to those around her. She also made the best chocolate meringue pies that her great-grandsons were obsessed with, and her banana pudding wasn’t too bad either. She was an expert at spoiling her grandkids and gave the best hugs to those she loved, she enjoyed being an active part of her grandchildren’s daily lives; she even went as a chaperone on a trip to Hawaii. She always took the humor of her PCP, Dr. Kenneth Katzen in stride and would poke right back at him. Edna enjoyed watching General Hospital and The Young and Restless, following the lives of the on-screen characters. Edna and Smitty kept the childhood of their grandchildren alive by playing old Christmas home movies each year while the family gathered together to celebrate Christmas. She and Smitty were the ultimate hosts, always opening their home for graduation parties, bridal showers, baby showers and everything in-between. She always looked forward to summer weather when the swimming pool would be filled with the laughter of her grandchildren and friends. She was always welcoming.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Fate Halbert and Marie Taylor, sister Patricia Talley, and husband, Smitty Maberry.

Edna is survived by her daughters, Shalla Freeman (boyfriend Jesse Stewart) and Sonya Lee (Patrick) of Grand Prairie. Grandchildren Garret Lee (Leslie) of Bryan, Heather Miller (Eric) of Waxahachie, Lauren Upchurch (Devin) of Midlothian, Brandon Lee (Courtney) of Grand Prairie and Ashley Whittington (Daniel) of Phoenix, Arizona. Great Grandsons Andrew and Parker Lee, Grayson and Ryder Upchurch. Her dog and best friend, Dusty Dan who was her constant companion the last two years.

Edna will be resting with Smitty at the DFW National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society in her name to honor the memories of both of her parents, her sister, her husband and many other close family and friends that have gone before her. www.cancer.org or 800-227-2345.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the ICU team at Arlington Memorial Hospital; especially nurse Claudia.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: grandsons Garret Lee, Brandon Lee, Eric Miller, Devin Upchurch, Daniel Whittington and ex-husband and lifelong friend, Earl Minchew.

A celebration of life is currently pending.

Mom, we love you and will miss you until we see you again.