Eddie Mack Persons

Eddie Mack Persons was born on July 11, 1949, in Montezuma, Georgia, to the late Adeline Persons and Elias Killins. He was raised in a Christian home and attended Montezuma Baptist Church. The seventh child, born in the seventh month, brought surprise and tremendous joy to a family of six siblings, and he quickly became the pride of their close-knit community.
Eddie was an exceptional student, known for his intelligence and determination. He graduated from D. F. Douglass High School in 1968 and went on to study at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. After two years, financial challenges led him to leave college and enter the workforce. Soon after, he received his draft notice.
In September 1972, Eddie made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy, believing it to be the safest option due to his exceptional swimming abilities. He served aboard the USS Recovery and stood out quickly for his discipline and integrity. He was recognized by Master Chief Carl Maxie Brashear-the only Black chief aboard-who personally mentored Eddie after witnessing his courage in standing up for himself during a dispute with a white officer. Under Brashear's leadership, Eddie was reassigned from general maintenance to serve as Yeoman for the chiefs, a pivotal and empowering moment in his service. In 1975, Eddie took an early release from military service to return to school. He completed his studies at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in African American Studies and Political Science.
Eddie devoted 39 years of civil service to the U.S. Government in several key roles: Detention Officer, Immigration and Naturalization Services Officer, Field Immigration Examiner (Levels I, II, and III), District Adjudication Officer, and Lead Immigration Officer for the Department of Homeland Security (serving Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties). He earned numerous certifications and professional distinctions during his tenure, garnering a reputation for excellence, fairness, and compassion.
In addition to his federal service, Eddie worked tirelessly to support his family. He taught history at the William H. Adult Turner Tech Continuing Education Center in Miami-Dade County for over eight years and even bartended to ensure his children's needs were met.
Eddie was deeply involved in civic life and community leadership. He faithfully served on the usher board at New Birth Baptist Church for 28 years. And was a proud life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., serving both locally and nationally, including eight years as Polemarch of the Miami Alumni Chapter. Through this role and beyond, Eddie mentored countless young men and supported numerous community uplift initiatives. A highlight of his leadership included a contribution from the Miami Alumni Chapter of over ten thousand dollars during the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon to benefit the United Negro College Fund. He was also a Shriner and member of Kazah Temple #149 where he served for over 20 years in various capacities.
A champion of education, Eddie always encouraged students to always strive for academic excellence. He helped students access college and empowered them to achieve their goals. He served on the board of the Miami-Dade Head Start Program, where his leadership helped to secure sustained funding. In 1993, Eddie was personally selected by Dade County School Board member and founder, Frederica Wilson (currently U.S. Representative) to serve as one of the first 50 Role Models of Excellence (known today as 5000 Role Models of Excellence) to mentor young men in the community; and in 2024, he was honored for his 31 years of continuous dedication to youth mentorship and service of the organization.
Eddie received more than 100 awards and accolades over the course of his life, a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and community development. His name is proudly listed on the National Register of Distinguished Federal Employees. Among his many honors, Eddie was nominated for the Hurricane Andrew Heroes Award by the National Point of Light Foundation in 1992. As a result of that nomination, Eddie received the Florida's Finest Award from Governor Lawton Chiles in recognition of his outstanding participation in hurricane recovery efforts.
Eddie met and married Charlenia Rutland on February 4, 2012, and joined her at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in 2018. He was deeply loved by all who knew him. His wisdom, kindness, sense of humor, and humility left a lasting and meaningful impact on friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.
He was preceded in death by both parents and siblings, Lucille Green; Eddie Jay Persons; Betty Ingram; Dr. Evelyn Bartley; and Melinda P. Jones.
He leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted and loving wife, Charlenia "Cookie" Rutland-Persons; Three daughters: Ebony Persons, Olivia Persons, and Chantel Rutland; Two sons: Edward M. Persons and Travis Rutland; Two godchildren: Brittany (Daryl) Chang and Xavier Pittman; Three granddaughters: Rowan Williams, Victoria Rutland, and Taliyah Rutland; Sisters-in-law: Alma (Neal) Haugabrook, Elizabeth Thompson, Lynn (Earl) Jones, Patricia Williams, and Dr. M. Valarie Mills; First cousin raised together as brothers: Charles Williams; One special sister-in-love: Karen (Jordan) Bullard; Two special brothers-in-love: Donald (Valerie) Coffey and Henderson (LaVarshia) Pittman; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and beloved Kappa brothers.
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