Reverend Daniel Webster Edwards

1921 - 2023

On Friday, February 24, 2023, Reverend Daniel Webster Edwards, affectionately known as “Papa”, “Webster”, “Dewitt”, transitioned from this earthly life to eternal rest with his Lord and Savior. Reverend Edwards was born on May 1, 1921, the youngest of six children born to Algienon G. Edwards and Delia A. Edwards. Rev. Daniel Edwards was a life-long resident of Dinwiddie County.

He was married to the late Marion Hayes Edwards for fifty- five years. From their love were born two children, Joan Smith of Washington, DC and Ronald Edwards of Mitchellville, Maryland.

Reverend Edwards obtained his elementary and secondary education from the Dinwiddie County Public Schools. He attended the Dinwiddie Normal and Industrial School, which was the first and only high school for black students in the county, and graduated from the Dinwiddie Training School. He completed Virginia State University’s barber course and became a licensed barber. He also completed further studies at Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA and received his theology degree from Virginia Union University School of Theology, Richmond, VA.

During his younger years, Reverend Edwards worked on the family farm. He later raised tobacco, peanuts, and soybeans on his farm for thirty years. Other employment included various job roles at Central State Hospital for twenty-six years (retired) and barbering for seventy years. Reverend Edwards taught barbering for many years, and later purchased a barber shop, which he has owned for more than sixty years. He recently visited the barbershop to collect rent and as he liked to say, “go sit and listen to the lies.” There was a period in his life, of more than 16 years, when he worked all three jobs at the same time.

Reverend Edwards joined the Little Zion Baptist Church of Carson, VA at an early age, where he remained an active member and served as an Associate Minister. God was his refuge, strength, and hope. His favorite saying was, “Thank the Lord and Bless Jesus”. His Christian service at Little Zion included: former Deacon and Chairman of the Deacon Board for ten years; Superintendent of the Sunday School for thirty years; Sunday school teacher for thirty-five years; Director of the Board of Christian Education; and member of the Senior Choir. He also assisted in establishing the first Summer Vacation Bible School – one of the first in Dinwiddie County, Virginia.

After having a religious dream in which he received his calling to the ministry, Reverend Edwards was ordained on December 4, 1994, at the Little Zion Baptist Church. In April 1999, he was installed as Pastor of Starlight Baptist Church, Kenbridge, VA, where he served until his retirement in December 2009. As Pastor of Starlight Baptist Church, Reverend Edwards exhibited great leadership in his teaching and preaching. He encouraged and embraced the youth, assuring them that their voices would be heard, for they are the church of tomorrow. With his leadership, Deacons were ordained, the parking lot repaved, new windows and hymnals were obtained, and youth ministries were reorganized. He also served as Assistant Pastor to Reverend Leroy Rhone at the Bethany Baptist Church and served as 3rdVice President of the Bethany Baptist Sunday School Convention and its Allied Bodies.

Reverend Edwards had a servant’s heart. He served his community for all his adult life, serving as President of the Dinwiddie Civic League for two-terms; member of the Dinwiddie County Chapter of the NAACP for forty-years; member of the Steering Committee responsible for establishing the school desegregation policy in Dinwiddie County; and one of the organizers of the first Voter’s League in Carson, VA. His humanity and love always shined through, and he had a natural drive to do good and help others. Prior to the pandemic, he voluntarily drove his neighbors (other seniors 70 years and older) to the grocery stores, and to their doctor appointments. On their return trip, you could often find him and his neighbors enjoying lunch together. Papa was a beacon of light in every space he occupied.

He has been the recipient of numerous awards, which include certificates of outstanding leadership at Little Zion Baptist Church and auxiliary organizations of the church. He was also the recipient of a certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding and Dedicated Service from the Central State Hospital, Petersburg, VA. Most recently, he was given a Historic Permanent House Joint Resolution NO. 261 from the Commonwealth of Virginia General Assembly for his personal and professional achievements.

Outside of the ministry, Reverend Edwards’ favorite undertaking was gardening. He worked in the garden from sun-up to sun-down. The sound of his tractors could often be heard throughout the neighborhood. He grew some of the best collard greens, watermelons, and cantaloupes in the county, which he often picked and gave to his neighbors and family. During his free time, Rev. Edwards enjoyed reading about a variety of topics. His house is full of books about God and Christianity. His favorite book was the Bible. He avidly followed the political world and loved to discuss politics. He enjoyed watching sporting events with his son, Ronald, especially baseball and football.

Reverend Edwards is preceded in death by his parents, Algienon G. Edwards, and Delia A. Edwards; his wife, Marion Edwards;brothers, Algienon G. Edwards, Jr, William G. Edwards; sisters,Mary E. Pritchett, Thelma Edwards, and Violet E. Crawley. He is survived by his devoted and loving children, Joan Smith and Ronald Edwards (Renee); three grandchildren, Anika Smith (Backie Thomas – fiancé), Brian Smith (Carrie), Ronald Edwards II; three great-grandchildren, Hunter Daniel Smith, Hudson Edwards Smith, Daniel Sidique George Thomas; sisters-in-law, Earshler Edwards, Kathleen J. Hayes; brother-in-law, Charmlen Hayes (Thelma); devoted cousins, Barbara Jones, Joyce Simmons, Dorothy Bates, Ruth Howard; right-hand man, Milton Walker and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Praising God Almighty for ordering his steps! Thank the Lord and Bless Jesus!

A Celebration of Life service for Rev. Daniel Edwards will be held 11AM Saturday March 4, 2023 at the Little Zion Baptist Church 24603 Old Stage Rd, Carson, VA 23830. Interment will follow at the Edwards Family Cemetery - Dinwiddie. Public viewing will be held from 12PM to 7PM Friday March 3, 2023 at the Petersburg Chapel - Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the professional staff- Petersburg Chapel- Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, 530 S. Sycamore St. Petersburg, VA 23803 (804) 863-4411. www.johnsonservices.us