James Dolan Edwards

1934 - 2026

James Dolan Edwards known by many as (Doc Edwards) of Centreville, MD, passed away on February 11th, 2026, at Compass Hospice House Centreville, MD. He was 92 years old.

James Edwards (Doc) was born in Rock Hall, MD, on January 10, 1934, to the late Franklin D. and Lula V. Vansant Edwards. He attended Piney Neck and Rock Hall schools. Following his high school graduation, he attended Washington College before transferring to the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where he graduated in 1957. After completing his studies, he married Mary Ann Crouch of Rock Hall.

Dr. Edwards dedicated his career to pharmacy, beginning at Hudson's Pharmacy in St. Michaels, MD, where he worked for three years. In 1959, he opened Edwards Pharmacy in Centreville. Alongside his wife, his sons, and many dedicated employees. He operated the pharmacy for 52 years. He also owned Stam's Pharmacy in Chestertown for seven years. Active in his community, Dr. Edwards served as a director for Farmer's National Bank for eight years and Queenstown Bank for six years. He was a member of the Centreville United Methodist Church. Additionally, he was a member of the Rotary Club of Centreville and both the National and State Pharmacist Associations.

A passionate sportsman, Dr. Edwards was a highly accomplished trap shooter. In 1966, he won the State of Maryland Trapshooting Championship by breaking a perfect 200 out of 200 targets. He also earned several other Maryland and Delaware Trapshooting Championships. He was also known as a successful hook and line fisherman in the area. As a son of a commercial fisherman, he knew the Chester and Corsica rivers as well as anyone. He also was an avid golfer playing many years with his friends at the Caroline country club.

Dr. Edwards is survived by his wife of over 68 years, Mary Ann Edwards, and their two sons: James Ronald Edwards (Bonnie) and Franklin Dolan Edwards (Susan). He leaves behind five grandchildren: Jenna Edwards, Claire Edwards Frazier (Matthew), Jacob Edwards (Melissa), Jordan Edwards, and Colby Usilton (Lauren); and three great grandchildren, Logan Edwards; and Lowan and Riggs Usilton. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Edwards (Donna); his sister, Kay Lochary; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Billy Edwards, and his parents.

A service to honor Dr. Edwards will be held on February 20th. Viewing will be from 11am - 1pm at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Rd., Chestertown, MD. Interment will follow at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Rock Hall, MD.

The family expresses their gratitude for the community's support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Centreville United Methodist Church 608 Church Hill Rd, Centreville, MD or Compass Regional Hospice 160 Coursevall Dr, Centreville, MD.