Wilmae Jean Edwards, 79, of Richmond died Monday, September 24, 2018, at North Kansas City Hospital.

Wilmae Jean was born on October 10, 1938, in Mosby to Eugene J. Eastley and Evelyn LaPherne (Mullikin) Eastley.  She was married to Jack L. Williams of California, MO, on Jan. 16, 1954.  They later divorced. She then married Gerald Bruce Edwards of Richmond on Dec. 21, 1974.

Survivors include: one son, Jack Lewis "JL" Williams, Jr. (Joy) of Richmond; two daughters: Debra Craig (Robert) of Lathrop and Karen Shelton of Richmond; one step-daughter, Heidi Keith (Jefferson) of Grain Valley; one step-son, Shawn Edwards of Independence; two brothers: Larry Eastley (Louise) of Hardin and Rick Eastley of Richmond; one sister, Phyllis Ironwing of Kansas City, MO; 12 grandchildren: Elizabeth Schoch, Jonathan Schoch, Christopher Craig, Christina Craig, Daniel Craig, Stacy Sisco (Thomas), Justin Williams, Lindsay Williams, Alisha Williams, Derek Shelton (Kristie), Danielle' Shelton and Ashley Keith; 25 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews;  and her daycare children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Edwards; one son, Edward Williams; two sisters, Rhonda Schwarz and Sharyn Eastley; one brother, Jimmy Eastley; and two step-grandchildren, Michael Christopher McDowell and Joshua McDowell.

Wilmae had worked as a secretary for the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and then for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Eagleton Civic Center. She had been a member of the Richmond All Sports Club and served as their secretary for many years and had also been active in Girl Scouts. After she retired, she started her dream daycare, which she enjoyed more than any of her other occupations, she loved taking care of her babies and watching them grow.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wilmae Jean Edwards Memorial Fund.  They can be dropped off or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street, P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Old Union Christian Union Church in Lawson.  Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please share your memories with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .