Mary Alice Edenfield Gibbs

Mary Alice Edenfield Gibbs, 92, of Warner Robins, Georgia, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on January 23, 2025. 

Anyone who knew Mary would agree she was a force, a devoted matriarch, and a steadfast community member. She was born June 14, 1932, in Bonaire, Georgia, to Lilla Maude Hatchett and Ferris Felton Smith. Mary was the second- youngest of the five Smith children. She always said, “It is great to be a Smith!”

A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Mary and her late husband of 44 years, Billy P. Edenfield, founded Strato Cleaners and Menswear in Warner Robins. Mary often claimed she “retired” in 1997, but those who knew her best knew that she never stayed still a day in her life. In 1993, former Gov. Zell Miller appointed Mary to the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, where she served until August 2001. Former Gov. Sonny Perdue later reappointed her to the authority in March 2003 and she served a total of 24 years. She served as a director of Robins Federal Credit Union for 24 years and dedicated more than two decades to her role as trustee on the Foundation Board for Middle Georgia State University (formerly Macon State College), retiring in February 2011. She also served two terms as President of the Warner Robins Elks Auxiliary, before becoming the Aidmore Chairman for the Tifton Elks Auxiliary. Mary also served in various positions on the Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce, Trinity United Methodist Church Finance Committee, Salvation Army Board member, Middle Georgia Technical School Board member, Warner Robins Woman’s Club, Warner Robins Civitan Club and Warner Robins Pilot Club.

Besides her unstoppable community service, Mary was also an avid traveler, visiting Ireland, Costa Rica, Alaska, Hawaii, and New York — where, as she would frequently recount, she had her first-ever slice of pizza as a young adult. Wherever Mary went, her radiant joy and unmistakable laugh made even strangers feel like lifelong friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lilla Maude Hatchett and Ferris Felton Smith; her siblings, James Ferris Smith, William Felton Smith, Virlyn Christine Savage Ward, and Marvin Stewart Smith (Buck); her first husband, Billy Peacock Edenfield; and her second husband James E Gibbs. She is survived by her children, Dr. Scott Edenfield (Leigh Ann), Ron Edenfield (Conny), Greg Edenfield, Vicki Edenfield Lacey (Sebie); her grandchildren, Krisie Mouliason (Ted), Seeb Lacey (Michelle), Lauren Stewart (Ryan), Steven Edenfield (Chelsea), Hunter Lacey, Nash Lacey (Megan), Billy Parker Edenfield (Sydney); and her great-grandchildren, Michaella Stewart, Michael Stewart, Eden Lacey, Finn Lacey, Landon Mouliason, Grayson Mouliason, Cole Parker Mouliason, Grayson Stewart, Waylon Edenfield, Ellis Lacey, Layla Edenfield, and Rory Edenfield. Her relatives will forever remember the love she offered unconditionally and cherish her memory, as well as her words of comfort: “Don’t be sad when I’m gone. I will see BP, and we will dance again.” 

Visitation will be Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. Afterward, Mary Alice Edenfield Gibbs will be laid to rest in Parkway Memorial Gardens. 

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Mary Alice Edenfield Gibbs to Trinity United Methodist Church at 129 S. Houston Rd, Warner Robins, Georgia or to the Elks/Aidmore at www.elksaidmore.com.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.