Mary Jo Elizabeth Edwards-Grigg

Mary Jo Elizabeth Edwards-Grigg was born on October 2, 1952, to the union of Robert F. Coleman Sr. and Louella Rabun Coleman, who preceded her in death. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church. She later joined St. James United Methodist Church in 1980 where she was a faithful and dedicated member. She was a regular attendee at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church until her passing.

She was educated in the Kansas City, MO School District and graduated from Central High School in 1970. That same year, she entered into marriage with Emmett L. Edwards III. To that union, three children were born, Emmett L. Edwards IV, Micheala E. Edwards, and Mia E. Edwards.

Mary Jo began her work career at Hallmark Cards in the early 70's. She then worked for Folgers Coffee, a subsidiary of Proctor & Gamble for 20 years as an Industrial Health & Safety Specialist. It was there that she met her life-long companion, Rick A. Grigg. In 1997 they married and became a blended family along with his son, Geoffrey Alan. Together, Mary Jo & Rick went on to fulfill their lifelong dream to become entrepreneurs. Mary Jo later worked at Cosentino's Price Chopper as a pharmacy tech and a cashier.

Mary Jo enjoyed life and spending time with her children, grandchildren and pets. As a grandmother she made it a priority to be involved in their education, extracurricular activities and spiritual growth. She took a special interest in gardening, and perfected her craft of canning and preserving vegetables which she gladly shared with others. She had a special bond with her six sisters as they enjoyed shopping, dining and traveling together. On occasion they would even invite their four brothers to join them.

Mary Jo departed this life on Saturday, February 14, 2015. She was well loved and will truly be missed by her family and friends.

She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Martha Rabun, Mary Helen Bly, Shirley Jean Smocks and Barbara Ann McCrary.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her life companion Rick Alan Grigg, her son Emmett L. Edwards IV (April), two daughters, Micheala E. Edwards & Mia E. Edwards, stepson Geoffrey Alan Grigg; three grandchildren: Kevin Kidd, Jr, DeMarcus Levelle Edwards & Leyla Danielle Edwards; siblings Marie Nadine Dupree-Johnson, Robert Lee Coleman Jr., May Katherine Coleman-Robertson, Samuel Walter Coleman Sr. (Barbara), Michael Rabun Coleman Sr. (Quinetta), Donald Charles Coleman and Lola Michelle Coleman. She cherished and loved her special God-Daughter Peyton Nicole Johnson who affectionately knew her as “Auntie-Gramps”. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends plus her furry kids: Maximus, Tootie, Ranger and Willie.

Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 p.m. followed by a Memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, at St. James United Methodist Church, 5540 Wayne, Kansas City, Missouri. Interment in Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.