Alfred Willis Edwards.Sr.

During lunchtime on May 23, 2013,God sent a host of angels to Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center to adorn Alfred Willis Edwards,Sr. in a white robe and golden crown to welcome him to his eternal home. Alfred Willis Edwards,Sr. was born in Richmond,Virginia on June 13,1924 to the Reverend Alfred Matthew and Deacon Irene Edwards in their family home. Her parents stressed the importance of having a good education and strong faith in God to Alfred and his siblings;this foundation was laid by attending Providence Park Baptist Church,where he served over 70 years. Alfred,Sr. is a product of the Richmond Public School System,attending Providence Park Grammar School,Booker T. Washington Middle,and Maggie L. Walker High School;he is an alumnus of the Class of 1942-the first graduating class. Upon graduation,Alfred,Sr. matriculated to Virginia State University;however,his collegiate studies were abbreviated due to his being drafted into the military. Alfred began his naval career in 1943 and served for three years;his tour of duty took place at the tail end of World War II. The Navy provided him with the opportunity to visit places beyond him with the opportunity to visit places beyond his imagination,such as Rio De Janeiro,Brazil;Naples and Sicily,Italy and Africa. After returning to Richmond in 1946,Alfred Sr.,was walking through the Providence Park area on a warm summer day and laid his eyes on the most beautiful woman that he had ever seen. He was captivated by her petite stature,long flowing hair and beautiful smile. After a few years of courting,Alfred asked Zena to be his wife and they were wed on January 29,1949. Four children were born to this union; Alfred Jr.,Zeno,Tanya and Warren. Alfred Sr.,graduated from the J.L. Loving Jr.School of Pratical Tailoring on June 14,1948. His love for sewing,alterations and keeping men's suits sharp was a passion that continued throughout his 34 years of service to Bellwood Defense General Supply.During his 34 years at Bellwood,he served as an inspector and inventory manager until his retirement on August 24,1979. After retirement from Bellwood,his love for clothing alteration was the basis for him opening a family run tailor shop in Azalea Mall. In addition to tailoring,Alfred Sr.,also had a passion for attending church,dancing,singing,gourmet cooking(making his world famous spoon bread)and dogs. Before a few years ago,you could always see him pulling into church and around town in a Cadillac. He served Providence Park in various capacities over the years,but mainly as a trustee and a member of three choirs as a tenor. His favorite song to lead in the George Crawford Choir was Ain't Got Time to Die. Throughout the years,Alfred Sr., has abided in Christ,learned wisdom,grown by the Word,had mercy,stood with hope ,traveled by prayer,walked by faith and lived by God's grace. He shared himself with Providence Park until he suffered a stroke in March 2012. The Lord has been gracious to the Edwards' family,by lending his servant,a loving husband,faithful father,cherished grandfather, and steadfast family member and friend to many. He leaves to cherish his memory,his children:Alfred W. Edwards,Jr.(Geraldine) of Richmond,VA. ,Zeno Edwards(Judy) of Raleigh,NC,Tanya Hart(Clarence Jr.)of Richmond,VA and Warren Edwards of Mitchellville,MD.;six grandchildren(affectionately known to them as PaPa Al),Clinton (Dedra),Gerard,Nicole (Gregory Sr.),Yvonne (Adilson),Jasmine (Reggie) and DeAndre;six great-grandchildren,Giselle,Cayley,Zion,Zaylie,Gregory Jr. and Lillian;two brothers,William Edwards and Dr. Rondle Edwards,two sisters-in-law,Mary Boland and Mary Edwards and a host of nieces,nephews,cousins and friends.

Tributes

Alfred Willis Edwards.Sr.

June 13, 1924 - May 23, 2013