On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Jack Harold Edwards passed away at home surrounded by his family.
He gave his departed wife, Martha Vernell Edwards, the ultimate present by joining her in heaven on her birthday. They were married 75 years.
Jack was born on Round Top Mountain in North Carolina and was very proud to call that his home. He came to Poquoson in 1940 to become a welder in the shipyard, which led him to meet his loving wife. He began his service in the U.S. Army in 1944, and departed overseas to serve in World War II with his brother, J.C. Edwards, who was killed in battle, and his sister, Edna Moore, who served as nurse in the war. Jack was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge and received the Purple Heart.
Jack enjoyed woodworking, gardening, bird-watching, and loved Volkswagen Beetles. He was an honest, hardworking man who did everything so very well, and was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who provided a wonderful life full of precious memories for his family.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Vernell; son, Harold Wayne Edwards; daughter, Linda E Edmundson; brothers, J.C., Clyde and Bergin; and sister, Edna Moore.
He is survived by his daughter, Jackie E. Gills, and her husband, Dabney; grandchildren, Tracy E. Bott of Middleton, N.Y, Perry F. Edmundson of Los Angeles, Calif, Kara G. Catlett, and her husband, Jonathan, of Poquoson, Hamilton Gills, and his wife, Brandi, of Poquoson, and Keith Edwards of Hampton; great-grandchildren, Emily Bott, Casey Bott, Jack-Nelson Catlett and Mary-Martha Catlett; brother-in-law, Estrich W. Page; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 19, with Masonic rites at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, led by the Rev. Charles R. Stacy. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Poquoson Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 2099, Poquoson, VA, 23662; and/or to the Disabled American Veterans, 210 Franklin Road, S.W., Room 505, Roanoke, VA, 24011.
The family would like to recognize and extend a loving thank you to his nurse of seven years, Debra Overton, RN, with Hampton Veterans Affairs, Tiffany Overton, RN, and Darrell Faison, CNA with Medi Home Hospice. Your skill, attention and love was a blessing to us all. Our moments together will be treasured always.”
Please leave online condolences for the family at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.
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