Born September 23, 1942 in Townsend, Georgia, to Christopher and Annie Bell Pinkney was a baby girl they named Mae Ella.She was always connected to Jesus, even at a early age and her ministry outside of the church speak volumes! Mae Loved the Lord and she served in that passion as a caregiver to those in need.

Mae attend school in her home town and later married her classsweetheart Leroy Anthony Stevens and together they began their lives and gave birth to their first Son, Leroy Anthony Stevens, Jr. and 3 years later gave birth to their daughter Evangeline Lois Stevens.  After moving to Texas to work for Rheem air conditioning plant and later The Dow Chemical Company, Mae Ella and Leroy's family grew from two children to six, Dwain, Resa, Fred and Robert. The couple resided in the great city of Clute Texas, raising their kids. Then life happens, Mae Ella was a remarkable woman and her children rises up and called her blessed, because she withstood the test and trials of life.  She never left her family; she stood still and with the help of the Lord she was able to provide and nurture her kids as they grew.

After joining New Mt Zion Baptist church under the Leadership of the Late Oldie Fields, she met her future husband Clarence Edwards, some call "Hambone".  Mae ministry was always to help those less fortunate. She served on the usher board at New Mt Zion and loved it.  She would open up her home and invite those that did not have a place to reside to come in, take a shower, and get a hot meal and a place to lay their head.  Mae Ella ministry extended outside of the church walls. She opened her very own day care, to help other mothers. Mae Ella loved animals; she would go to the pasture to tend to the horses on a regular. She had all sorts of animals for her kids; cats, dogs, parrots, fish tanks, hamsters and even a goat.

Later she joined Agape Fellowship Church under the leader ship of Bishop Hannis Prince, Jr. and waited her turn to become the mother of the Church, she brought laughter and kindness to many people. Serving up her signature raisin bread pudding, sweet potatoe pies and famous Shrimp and Grits, and to die for Cabbage and rice. Mae Ella loved spending time with her family and watching her Soap opera. She would make sure to connect with her siblings every day, calling back home and going home if they call.

Mae Ella last ministry was to move in with her daughter and help with her beloved Son, Hannis who was stricken with a Stroke in 2009, and another one in 2015.  Mae Ella Edwards, was there for her family, she cooked and cleaned and rubbed backs and gave wisdoms to all those who stood still to listen.  She broke the mold of being a Proverb 31 woman to her community.  Mae Ella affectionally named Alexa, "little  girl" because she was always listening, Alexa and Mae would be up in the late evenings and early morning rising playing all of the gospel songs, her favorite was Tasha Cobb "He knows my name" and "Break every chain"

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Christopher and Annie Bell Pinkney, Husband Clarence Edwards, She is survived by her devoted children, Leroy Stevens, Jr, Evangeline Prince, Dwain Stevens (Karen) Fredrick Stevens, Resa Stevens, Robert Stevens, Grand Children, Daniel Prince, Ethan Prince (Tiffany), David Prince, Alicia Stevens, Leroy Stevens (Noah), Phillip Tims, Anthony Bush, Keith Tims, Jacoby Stevens,  Haylie Stevens, Stephan Stevens, Jacqueline Stevens, Dwain Stevens II, Leeah Wilson, Karsyn Stevens, Siblings, Sammy Pinkney (Betty), Mamie Hunter, Pearl Ward (Mike) Janice Spence (Thomas) Jewel (Jimmie) Ellison and a slew of great grand kids with her last one being held was Paisley Mae.