Joseph Lee Edwards, Sr.

Surrounded by his family, DeDe Edwards died peacefully at home on Friday, November 30, 2018.  J.L. Edwards, known as DeDe, was born on March 4, 1930 in the heart of Isle of Wight where he resided all of his 88 years. He was deeply committed to his family, church, and community. On July 17, 1949, DeDe married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Carolyn Virginia Seward.  DeDe was devoted to his immediate and extended family.  He was the son of the late Albert Curtis Edwards and Ada Nelms Edwards. In addition to Carolyn, he is survived by his children, Joe Edwards (Susie), Karen Wills (Gess), and Mark Edwards (Lina); his grandchildren, and their respective families; Brooke Wills Kluttz (Craige), Burgess Wills (Lauren), Carly Edwards, Brent Wills, Tyler Edwards (Kinsey), and Will Edwards, Bob Lewis. and Steve Lewis; his great-grandchildren, Ainsley and Matthew Wills, and Joe Kluttz, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.    DeDe filled his life with service.  In addition to serving as a deacon and trustee in Central Hill Baptist Church, he was a Master Mason of Smithfield Union Lodge No. 18, and past member of the Isle of Wight Ruritan Club.  Of his many accomplishments, DeDe worked more than 48 years for Smithfield Packing Company.  He was particularly proud of his years as plant manager in Norfolk and his role as a Superintendent and master sausage maker at the Smithfield Packing Plant. Family and friends adored and remember DeDe for his friendly smile, incredible storytelling, amazing work ethic, his integrity and respect of his co-workers. De De was always either holding the football chains at Isle of Wight Academy football games for decades or a front row seat at basketball games. He also developed a 12 home Mobile Home Village next to his home on Courthouse Highway and enjoyed the fellowship of everyone he came in contact with. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield with burial to follow in Central Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Monday, December 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers the family suggest you consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.