Robert W. Edwards, Sr.

Robert W. Edwards, 91, of Emporia, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025 after a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born at home in Emporia, Virginia on August 27, 1933., the son of the late Irvin and Sarah Edwards. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Peggy Ferguson Edwards, and son, Robert W. Edwards, Jr.; his four brothers, Milton, Irvin, Jr., George, Charles (Lenny), and his sister, Frances Chaffin.

Robert married Peggy Jean Ferguson on April 11, 1949. Bob was a lifelong member of Adams Grove Baptist Church. He was ordained as a deacon at the age of 19, was Superintendent of Sunday School and served on committees, preached and sang his favorite hymns with a true dedication to the Lord.

Robert was known as a hard-working man. He worked full time from when he was a teenager until he moved into Greensville Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 89. He loved tractors, big trucks, farming and working in the garden. One of his first jobs was working with Wilson Hobbs’ tractor dealership. From there he started working for the family business, Edwards Supermarket in Jarratt. He opened his own grocery on Brunswick Ave. which was both a grocery and mission facility. From there he became co-owner of the new Edwards Supermarket in Emporia which he managed for over 40 years.

Robert always had a heart for mission work. Along with Mr. Al Grant he opened the Samaritan Helping Hands Home as founder and director. Here they served food, shelter and often gave gas and bus fare to those in need. Robert and Peggy moved to Roanoke Rapids and managed the Union Mission Home. It was during that time that Robert was ordained by the Petersburg Baptist Association. He received the call to become Pastor of Glen Memorial Baptist Church in Prospect, Virginia. He served faithfully from 1989-2004.

They moved back to Emporia for retirement. During retirement he opened Southside Sheds and enjoyed selling until his health began to fail at the age of 88.

Robert is survived by his three sons: Kenny Edwards and daughter-in-law, Barbara, Barry Edwards, Doug Edwards and daughter-in-law, Kim; and daughter-in-law, Brenda; six cherished grandchildren: Norah Haley (Wade), Kennon Edwards (Estephanie), Sarah Miller (Paul), Blakeley Digby (Nick), Zoe Edwards, Wyatt Edwards (Lauren), Danielle Donati and Dustin Edwards; seven adored great-grandchildren; Lee Haley, Jessi Mae Haley, Tucker Miller, Naomi Miller, Jackson Digby, Skylar Digby, and Eli Edwards and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be led by the Reverend Patricia Crump 2 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12:30. Interment will follow at Emporia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Samaritan Helping Hands, 405 S. Main St., Emporia, Virginia 23847 or to Adams Grove Baptist Church, 24463 Adams Grove Rd, Emporia, Virginia 23847.