Melody Jean Edwards 1949-2021

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” This was one of Melody’s favorite lines from the movie “Steel Magnolias,” and we ask you to remember this as it is with profound sorry that we announce that God has called Melody Jean Edwards home.

She was born on Sept. 18 in Indianapolis, Ind. to the late Edwin and Alice Aurs. Melody was the middle child – and only daughter – of five: Larry, Mike, Robin and Jimmy. It was here that she would meet her first love, the late John P. Parker, and have six children: Tony, Chris, Alicia, Marta and the late Robert and Derek Parker. In the early ‘80s, the family migrated south to Texas, where they decided Quitman would become their home.

Melody took on several jobs at local marinas on Lake Fork to support her family, but sadly would say goodbye to her husband John in 1984. However, even the stress and sadness did not stop her from doing what he wanted, living her life – and live it she did. As if destined, Melody would later meet another great love, her wonderful husband, Martin Edwards. Together, the two would expand the Minnow Bucket Marina on Lake Fork into something greater than even they imagined. Their dedication to the lake and surrounding communities did not stop there, as Melody would later serve on several committees to help promote tourism to the lake. She was even bestowed a great honor from former Gov. Ann Richards, when she visited Melody and brought her flowers to commemorate Melody’s outstanding work and commitment.

Melody’s love also grew as she became a prominent lady angler in the Bass N Gals and Women’s Bass Fishing Association, earning many awards and accolades during her time in both organizations.

However, her greatest love was for her family and friends, and every life she touched is honored to have been a part of hers.

Melody was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Alice Aurs; first husband, John Parker; two sons, Robert Alan and Derek Gene Parker; her brother, Jimmy Joe Aurs; and sister-in-law, Martha Edwards-Hill.

Left to cherish and remember her life are her husband, Martin L. Edwards; and her children, Belinda Edwards-Bacon and husband John, Wade Edwards and wife LaWanda, Tony Parker and wife Toni, Chris Parker and wife Tracy, Alicia Parker-Denton and husband James, and daughter Marta Parker-Rose and husband, Rick. In addition to her children are a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Austin, Meredith, Elias, Jillian, Jeremey, Christian, Will, Johnathan, John Dale, Eric, Kevin, Jaycee and husband Jordan, Raydyn, Riley, Henry, Kris, Noah, Michael, Alayah, Archie, Kaitlyn, Aubrey and Parker.

Though it is with great sadness we say goodbye, we ask only that you honor Melody’s strongest belief – take care of each other and when things get too difficult, find a way to laugh and love.