Joe Edwards

Deacon Joe Thomas Edwards, Sr. was born on January 9, 1940, in Tahoka, Texas to his parents, Thomas Edwards and Jerline Smith Edwards. He was the first child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brothers, Robert, Steven, and Wren. He received his early education by attending Manual High School in Denver, Colorado. In 1988, he earned his GED. He furthered his education by attending the Community College of Denver, completing courses in Computerized Accounting. On February 14, 2000, Joe united in holy matrimony to the former Sherryl J. Collins. They first met in Denver and exchanged vows in Peaceful Rest Baptist Church. Sherryl fondly remembers him trying to kiss her before the minister and completed the vows. Joe was the proud father of Terrance, Joe, Jr., Temeka, Cawanna, and with his union of marriage to Sherryl, he became the father of Johnetta, Vicky, and Kenyatta. He was later blessed with ten grandchildren, Raheem, Shaheed, Royce, Aeja, Darsean, Otis, Marnee, Brandon, ChaRiya, ChaRel and a great grandchild, Shelvion, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They lovingly called him “Poppa Joe.” By profession, Joe was employed in Sales. He worked for Macy’s, Walmart, and Time Life. He was also employed by Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Wherever, employed he was hard-working, dedicated, and performed his duties with a spirit of excellence. He worked well with his co-workers, the management team and the public he served. Deacon Joe Thomas Edwards, Sr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on July 17, 2018, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his wife, Sherryl J. Edwards of Denver, Colorado; 2 daughters, Temeka D. (Michael) Simmons of N. Scottsdale, Arizona and Cawanna L. Smith of Denver, Colorado; 2 sons. Terrance P. Edwards of Denver, Colorado and Joe T. Edwards, Jr. of Walnut Creek, California; 3 step-children, Johnetta M. Adams of Montero, California; Vicky L. Lewis of Denver, Colorado, and Kenyatta R. (Durrell) Crawford of Aurora, Colorado; 2 brothers, Robert L. (Lula) Edwards of San Antonio, Texas and Steven Vaughns of Aurora, Colorado; 9 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Joe accepted the Lord as his personal savior at a very early age. He became an Ordained Deacon in 1998, while under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Lorenzo Stewart at Peaceful Rest Baptist Church. In 2013, he continued to serve as a Deacon at New Life Full Gospel Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Lonnie D. Jones, Sr. He believed in the power of prayer and that everyone needed to have the right relationship with the Lord. He remained active until his health began to decline. Deacon Edwards was also an active member of the Rocky Mountain Masonic Lodge #1, Prince Hall Affiliate. Deacon Edwards was a fun-loving man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed attending worship service, playing dominoes, and spending quality time with family and friends. He was an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed watching the Colorado Rockies Baseball Team and the Denver Broncos Football Team. His second favorite football team was the San Francisco Forty Niners. He was the type of person, who never met a stranger and he was one who “coined funny phrases” and he enjoyed talking about his travels. His closes friends were both his pastors, Reverend Stewart and Reverend Jones, and his dear friend, Reverend Henry Kelly. They all will miss the camaraderie they shared together and the fact that he was a true and trusted friend. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man. To know Deacon Joe Edwards was to love him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerline Patterson; Thomas Edwards, Sam Patterson; his brother, Wren Edwards; a grandson, Otis “Tre” Mills, III.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Visitation: 7/23/2018 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 7/24/2018 at 11:00 AM - Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church - 12245 East Andrews Drive, Denver, Colorado