Dott Countiss Edwards

Dott Countiss Edwards, 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, surrounded by her beloved family. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024, in the Chapel of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.
Born on April 14, 1932, in Bruce, Mississippi, Dott grew up on a dairy farm, where she developed a deep love for her family and a strong connection to her roots. The faith and love instilled in her during childhood became the foundation she passed on to her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her life was defined by a fierce devotion to family, cherishing every moment spent with those she loved and treasuring the legacy they built together.
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these'" (Matthew 19:14).
Dott shared this message with countless children, teaching them to trust in Christ's love with the same open, childlike faith. Her motivation in life was clear: to pursue God's will and share the love of Jesus Christ. She dedicated her life to bringing others closer to the Lord, especially children, through her role as the Director of Broadmoor Baptist Church's Daycare. For her, it was not just a job; it was her calling. Her work brought children to know and love Christ, and this is the enduring legacy she leaves behind, one that has touched the hearts of many young lives and families.
Dott, or Mamaw as called by her loved ones, was strong, determined, and filled with grace. Her quick wit and sense of humor brought joy to those around her, and her love for flowers, especially pink ones, mirrored the vibrant spirit she carried throughout her life. With her perfectly coiffed hair from her weekly beauty shop visits and her signature pink lipstick, she embodied timeless elegance.
Mamaw, loved to sing, often filling her home with hymns and songs that expressed her deep faith and joy. Her beautiful soprano voice, always harmonizing during "Happy Birthday," will be greatly missed. She was also the heart of family traditions, opening her home for holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Her gatherings were filled with laughter, warmth, and the simple joy of being together. Sitting in her signature mauve living room, it wouldn't be a holiday without Mamaw's beautiful Christmas tree, decorated with tasteful pink ornaments. She took great pride in making sure everyone felt welcome and loved, creating lasting memories for her family. Decades of special moments were made in the home she lovingly created.
Dott was an avid gardener, tending to plants that carried memories from her past, many grown from roots passed down from her childhood home. She found joy in even the smallest of God's creations, whether it was a planter lovingly painted by her great-grandchildren or a cherished Christmas cactus gifted by one of her children. Her garden was a testament to her love for nurturing life and celebrating its beauty.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William J. "Billy" Edwards; her cherished daughter, Donna Jean Edwards; and her parents, Daniel Dewitt and Margaret Abigail Coston Countiss and her brother Daniel Don Countiss.
Dott is survived by her devoted daughter, Judy Fogg and her husband Bruce of Oxford, MS; her son, Joel Edwards of Madison, MS; and her daughter, Lisa Edwards of Jackson, MS. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Laura Efstratiou and her husband Pete of Canton, MS; John Finnegan and his wife Maury of Madison, MS; Elizabeth Nowell of Columbia, MO; David Finnegan and his wife Lindsay of Madison, MS; and Melissa Fogg of Madison, MS. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Caleb and Grayson Nowell; Zoe and Katherine Efstratiou; Liam and Patrick Finnegan; and Jack and Luke Finnegan. Dott is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Jimmie Dee Ferguson of Bruce, MS.
Psalm 104:33 – "I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."