Mrs. Christine Leake Edwards

March 23, 2016 Mrs. Christine Leake Edwards, age 102, of Forrest City, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Mrs. Edwards was born December 3, 1913, in Houston, Mississippi, and was the daughter of Charles Smith and Lula Gordon Smith. She lived most of her life in Mississippi, where she attended Tunica County schools. She finished high school at what is presently known as Northwest Jr. College in Senatobia, Mississippi. Mrs. Edwards continued her education at Draughon's Business College in Memphis, and then went to work as a secretary in Tunica County. Later she farmed and also had another job as a postal employee before her retirement. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Forrest City, and many clubs in Forrest City. In her early years, she enjoyed gardening and fishing. She was a gracious hostess, entertaining her friends and family. She was an avid mahjong player for many years. Christine Smith married Richard Leake Sr. in 1933 and gave birth to a son, Richard “Sonny' Leake Jr. in 1936. They were married until Mr. Leake's death in 1963. In 1967, Mrs. Leake married R. F. Edwards. They were married until his death in 1985. At this time, she moved to Forrest City to be near her son and his wife, Janis. Mrs. Edwards is survived by one son, Richard 'Sonny' Leake, Jr, and wife, Janis of Forrest City, and two step-daughters; Betty Edwards Coker, and husband, K.G. and Ruby Schoggins, and husband, Ronnie, and their families. Mrs. Edwards, who was affectionately known as Chris or MaMa, has two grandchildren; Richard Leake III, and wife, Teresa and Robin Jayroe, and husband, Gary. She has three great grandchildren; Rich, Ryan, and Lindsay. Services for Mrs. Edwards will be held at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 11:00 A.M., Saturday. Visitation will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, until the time of the service. A graveside service will be held Saturday, 2:00 P.M., at the Oakwood Cemetery in Tunica, Mississippi. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to be made to the St. Francis County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 3002, Forrest City, Arkansas, 72336. You may log on to stevensfuneralhome.net for the on line registry.

Tributes

Mrs. Christine Leake Edwards

December 3, 1913 - March 22, 2016