Jean Arlen Perry Edwards

Jean Arlen Perry Edwards of Quincy, FL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025. Born and raised in Bradenton, Florida, Jean had a lifelong love of the water. She graduated from Manatee County High School in 1956 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Florida State University in 1961. While at FSU, she met the love of her life, H. Marcus Edwards, in front of the Sweet Shop on campus. They married on September 9, 1961, and shared 60 wonderful years together on the Pewter Farm in Sawdust, Florida, until his passing in 2021. Jean embraced life on the farm with enthusiasm and determination. She raised four children while managing a busy household, preserving vegetables from the fields, and always making sure the day’s “pick” was on the table for dinner. Her early years were spent cooking, cleaning, sweeping up the dirt her husband tracked in from the fields, and repairing or replacing everything the children managed to break - “That’s why we can’t have anything nice!” After college, Jean worked for the State of Florida’s Welfare Department until leaving to “raise her own children”. Once the kids were mostly self-sufficient, Jean went to work for the State of Florida’s Office of Legislative Information for many years, later retiring from the Gadsden County Probation Office. As time went by, Jean found joy in birdwatching, taking in the peaceful, pastoral view from her kitchen window, and spending time daily in God’s word. A member of the First Baptist Church in Quincy, FL, for more than 50 years, she was active in her church community, teaching Sunday school, children’s programs, and Vacation Bible School. She was a proud member of the Esther Sunday School class and built life-long friendships through her involvement there. Jean was predeceased by her devoted husband, H. Marcus Edwards; brother, John Perry of Pompano Beach, FL, and sister, Ann Perry of Summerfield, FL. She is survived by her loving children: Kay Edwards of Tallahassee, FL; Paul Edwards and grandson Henry Edwards of Mill Valley, CA; Beth Edwards and granddaughter Hannah Edwards of Sawdust, FL; and Perry Edwards (Tina) of Havana, FL. She is also survived by grandson Jackson Fowler of Sawdust, FL; granddaughter McKenzie Merkison and grandson DJ Merkison of Tallahassee, FL; sister, Deta Perry of Leesburg, FL; cousin &“bonus-sister”, Norma Bowls of Middleburg, FL; cousin Dale Perry (Cathy) of Orlando, FL, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. The family is deeply grateful to “her ladies” who lovingly cared for her after Marcus’s passing. Jean’s family will always remember her unwavering love and support. We love you Mama, “More than thunder and lightning could bump a stump up a hill, backwards, twice in the same day.” Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

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Jean Arlen Perry Edwards

July 30, 1938 - July 22, 2025