Elder Edmond E. Edwards Sr.

Family: Supervisor/Elder Edmond Earl Edwards, Sr. was born  on October 21, 1943 to the late Benjamin Sr and Lillian Swinson Edwards of Pikeville, NC.  Also, preceding him in death were the following siblings: Dottie Lee Edwards, Joe Edwards, Kenneth Edwards, Benjamin Edwards Jr, Selma Marie Edwards, Odell Edwards and Jay Wesley Edwards.

Church Fellowships:  He was a faithful member of the White Oak Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church, Pikeville, NC, and enjoyed singing in and leading the Young Adult Music Ministry for many years.  After meeting and marrying the love of his life, Nora Oates Edwards in 1969, he moved his membership to St. James AME Zion Church in Goldsboro, NC, and served in many ministries, including the Trustee Board, the Steward Board and President of the Gospel Choir.  After accepting his call into the ministry in 1987, he returned to his home church, White Oak Grove, and under the leadership of the late Bishop L.N. Forbes, he was ordained and given his first pastoral charge at the St. Paul OFW Baptist Church in St. Paul, NC.  He later pastored at New Bethel OFW Baptist Church in Fremont, NC and St. John OFW Baptist Church in Beautancus, NC, for several years at the same time. He retired from St. John O. F. W. Baptist Church, Beautancus Community, Mt. Olive, NC,  after nearly 20 years of faithful and dedicated service.

Education: Elder Edwards graduated from Norwayne High School in 1962. He furthered his education at Wayne Community College, Sampson Community College and the NC Justice Academy in Salemburg, NC.

Occupation Work:  In his early years, he worked for Cola Cola Bottling Company, Goldsboro, NC., then worked as a healthcare technician at Cherry Hospital, for a few years before becoming a Correctional Officer at Eastern Correctional Institution in Greene County in 1983.  He ultimately retired from State service in 1995.

Ministries: Wherever Supervisor/Elder Edmond E. Edwards served as pastoral leader, he felt it was his duty to preach the Word, be an example that others could follow, and lead others to know of the redeeming power of God through His Son, Jesus the Christ.  He never, ever had a problem providing physical labor to make each and every church under his charge better, thus improving on the labors of those who preceded him.

Hobbies: He loved gardening and all kinds of sports, especially basketball, boxing and pool.  His children and grandson nurtured his love for football and soccer.  He loved ”projects”. He developed and made Christmas lights for his neighborhood that lined the street.  He advanced this “project” throughout the state and beyond. He was always thinking of creative and new ways to display his love for Christ through decorations at Christmastime. He loved decorating for Christmas and took pride in helping his neighbors. This past Christmas, 2020, he was adamant about making two (2) stars that he insisted be hung high in the sky. Many visitors remarked how close to heaven they felt when looking up at them.  As most of us know, the Wise men saw and followed one (1) star. In retrospect, could the second star have been for him?

Truly Loving Family and Friends: He leaves behind to share precious and truly fond memories: his wife of almost 52 years, Nora Oates Edwards of the home; daughter Marla Dobson Suggs of Goldsboro, son Edmond Edwards, Jr (Cassandra) of Goldsboro; grandson Anthony M. Dobson of Lanham, MD; four bonus grandchildren; sisters: Geraldine E. Pounds (Raymond) of Goldsboro and Doris E. Smith (Wayman) of Greensboro, NC; sisters-in-law: Blonnie Broadhurst of Goldsboro, Dorothy Elliott of Washington, DC, Iris Argroe (Arthur) of Goldsboro, one aunt Sadie Swinson formerly of Goldsboro and Nellie Edwards, Goldsboro, NC; lifelong friends: George Lane of Pikeville, Carl Rouse of Goldsboro, and Kenneth McIver of Goldsboro; special friends Bobbie Jacobs, Lillie Barnett, Koretta Kennon and Inez Simmons; all the magnificent and loving neighbors of the wonderful Robinson Place and Harris St. Community; the faithful members of the churches he pastored, namely, New Bethel O. F. W. Baptist Church and St. John O. F. W. Baptist Church; a caring and loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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