Ermine Edwards

Ermine Elesta Edwards, our cherished mother and grandmother, was born on March 20,1935, in Halls Delight, St. Andrew, Jamaica, W.I., to Canute Massop and Catherine (Willis) Massop. She was raised alongside her three siblings: Curline (Jenny) Augustine (deceased), Fernese (Ninny) Russell (deceased), and Bishop Ezekiel Massop.
From an early age, Ermine was known for her spirited nature. Often described as a "tomboy," she earned the nickname "Bob" for the way she joyfully played alongside the other children in her district. She attended Hall's Delight Primary School and later began working in Morrant Bay, St. Thomas, Jamaica, marking the beginning of her strong work ethic and independence.
While continuing her educational and career pursuits, Ermine became the proud mother of four children in Jamaica: Esroy (Neville), Vernal, Robert, and Norma. With unwavering determination and a deep commitment to her family's future, she made the courageous decision to migrate to Birmingham, England, in 1958, where she trained and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It was in England that Ermine met the man with whom she would share her life, Mr. Leroy Edwards.
On November 17, 1961, they were joined in holy matrimony. Together, they built a loving family and welcomed four children: Claudette (Jean) Bailey, Michael Edwards, Angela (Dawn) Robertson, and Marcia (Sandra) Lewis. Ermine later longed to reunite with her sisters who had migrated to America, and in 1970 she began the process of relocating. When she arrived in the United States in 1972, she worked diligently to establish herself while ensuring her family remained cared for. During this period, she faithfully traveled back and forth between the United States and England, maintaining her responsibilities as a wife and mother. In 1977, her perseverance was rewarded when she was finally able to live fully reunited with her family in the United States.
In 1993, Ermine accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a devoted member of the True Witness Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic in Paterson, New Jersey. She found joy in serving the Lord through acts of humility and dedication-cleaning the church, singing in the women's choir, and helping to raise funds for church initiatives. She was well known for her potato pudding, ginger beer, and coconut (grater) cake, and many would place advance orders to ensure they received a share. In 2001, Ermine was ordained as a Missionary. While she did not travel extensively for ministry as did her husband, the late Overseer Leroy Edwards, she took great pride in ensuring he was always prepared to represent the Lord with dignity and style.
In 2006, Ermine and her husband relocated to Lithonia, Georgia, to support his efforts in establishing the Georgia branch of the True Witness Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, located at 1410 Rogers Lake Road, Lithonia, Georgia. There, they continued steadfastly in the work of the Lord and graciously opened their home to visiting church members during special services, extending hospitality rooted in love and faith. After a long and blessed life's journey, on January 1, 2026, Ermine peacefully transitioned to eternal rest, surrounded by her church family and friends, and went to meet her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Ermine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Overseer Leroy Edwards; her sisters, Curline (Jenny) Augustine and Fernese (Ninny) Russell; and her daughter, Norma Edwards.
She leaves to cherish her memory her seven children: Esroy, Vernal, Robert, Claudette, Michael, Angela, and Marcia; 27 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews. spiritually adopted children, and beloved church family. Mother Ermine Edwards' legacy of love, service, and faith will forever remain in our hearts and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.