Joel Lee Edwards

Joel was a native of Memphis, Tennessee, he recently relocated to Columbus, Ohio. His life’s journey began on March 15, 1956, and he spiritually transitioned returning to “His Creator” December 19, 2021. He was the fifth child born of the union of Thomas and West Virginia Edwards. Five is the number of grace and GOD certainly graced him for the life challenges he incurred.

Joel had an adventurous life. He proudly graduated from Melrose High School and Southwest Community College. Afterwards, he stated he played for the NFL and NBA with his crowning moment being balling for the Lakers!! His real occupation was a forklift operator. Known for his immaculate attire and “debonair physique”, he declared he was the original Top Model. He loved shoes, music, learning and CARS! He started a detailing business call Shine Time and emphatically announced and declared he was “the best detailer on any side of the Mississippi.”

A jovial, charismatic and loving nature endeared many people to him. He never met a stranger. Joel was very intelligent although he feigned ignorance. He was a devoted member of AA and loved his home group Primary Purpose, where he recently received his nineteenth sobriety coin. He was a much sought out speaker. He often spoke at teen facilities. He said his greatest moment in his life was when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in 2020.

He is predeceased by his parents Thomas and West Virginia Edwards; his brother Thomas Edwards Jr; sisters Doris Edwards, Delores Hudson, and his son Joel Edwards Jr.

He leaves behind to celebrate his life, his “Sweet Thang”, devoted wife Dorothea Edwards; sister Bobbi Allen; son Marlon Edwards; daughters Sherita Edwards, Kenya Cole (Keith), Paula Reese, Pawlette Easley (Vance); brother-in-law Ernest Lane, Homer Lane (Aleta); sister-in-law Peggy Morris (Ruffin), Veronica Brown (Freeman), Antonia Banks, Constance Jones; eleven grandchildren, eight great grands, a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends from Primary Purpose.

**Being confident of this very thing, He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil 1:6**

Beautiful Special Memory

On Sunday December 12, my honey called me from the hospital and told me he prayed all night Saturday asking GOD to let him come home so he could lay in his bed and hold his wife one more time even if it was for one night. GOD honored his prayer and superseded it, we had two nights and I’d never saw him so peaceful. I will always cherish that moment.