Samuel J. Edmonds

Samuel Justis Edmonds, Jr., son of the late Liana Belle Hardy-Edmonds and Samuel Justis Edmonds, Sr., was born on October 10, 1920 in Littleton, North Carolina. He departed this life on November 25, 2002 after a lengthy illness.He received his education in Littleton, North Carolina at the Terrapin School. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church. In 1943, he came to Baltimore and joined the Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the founder, Reverend Matthew Wilkerson. He remained an active under the leadership of Pastor Prentice until his death.He and his brothers sang and cut hair on the porch in Littleton. He was married to the late Florence Pullen. From this union three daughters were born. His sister, Jessie Williams introduced him to Ruth Stewart-Murphy. On November 15, 1958, Samuel and Ruth were united in holy matrimony. From this union a son and daughter were added.Samuel was employed at Dupont for twenty-four years, where he was dedicated, faithful and loyal employee. Dupont moved to New Jersey and he continued at the plant under the new name Fansteel. He retired from Fansteel after ten years.He made numerous friends wherever he went and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew him. He was famous for his bar-b-que and pies, which were eagerly, devoured at all family gatherings. He was true Orioles fan and a devoted family man. His children and his grandchildren were always a delight to him.He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Ruth; four daughters, Carolyn Byrd, Alice Scott, Karen Randall and Sandra Baker; one son, Melvin Murphy; mother-in-law, Ammie Stewart of Green Pond, South Carolina; two sons-in-law, Louise Murphy; six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; four sisters, Elizabeth Foster, Jessie Williams, Mary Fowlkes and Georgia Vincent all of Baltimore; one brother, George Edmonds (Bessie) of Halifax, Virginia; four brothers-in-law, Arthur Stewart (Bessie) of Selma, North Carolina, Lewis Floyd of Mt. Holly, New Jersey, and Walter Stewart (Linda) of Bronx, New York; two sisters-in-law, Ernestine Blue of Green Pond, South Carolina and Helen Devoe (Nat ) of Baltimore, Maryland; a dear friend, William Burgess and a big brother, Willie Evans; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and “Just Cousins.”

Tributes

Samuel J. Edmonds

October 10, 1920 - November 25, 2002