Ronnie Marcella Edmonds Sr.

Ronnie Marcella Edmonds, Sr., age 71, of Suffolk, VA, departed this earthly life after a long illness on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Sentara Leigh Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 21, 1954, in Nansemond County, VA, to the late Elisha and Erma Hedgepeth Edmonds.

He grew up in the Elephant's Fork Community, where he attended Healing Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Africa Whitaker, followed by the late Rev. Charles E. Williams. During his young adulthood, he worked diligently in the church to help raise the funds needed to bring forth the vision of the leadership to build a new church structure, which is still being used today. He also served as a deacon (chairman for several years), superintendent of Sunday school, sang in the gospel choir, and provided lawn care and janitorial services.

Later, Ronnie joined East End Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Mark Croston and Rev. Faison. He attended church faithfully, preferring to worship at the early morning services, followed by Sunday school. He loved his pastor and church family. He often spoke very well of them while inviting others to come to church on Sunday and hear his pastor. He was a dedicated, active member until his health declined.

Ronnie attended John F. Kennedy High School. Upon graduation, he held several jobs before gaining employment at Planters Peanuts. He faithfully worked there for over 45 years. He had a strong work ethic, which he passed along to his children. They were up by 7:00 AM on Saturdays. "Money doesn't grow on trees. You've got to work for it. You're old enough for your wants not to hurt you. It's not your birthday," he would often say to them. He was absolutely proud of his son, his namesake, Ronnie, Jr., who was right by his side most of the time, cutting grass for many of the residents and community groups throughout Suffolk and the surrounding area.

Ronnie was a huge Washington Commanders fan (formerly Washington Redskins). When football season arrived and kickoff time came, you knew where he would be, right in front of the TV, cheering on his favorite team! He loved fresh, hot fried chicken from Feather 'n Fin restaurant. They knew his name and order before he placed a call. To say he was a regular customer is an understatement. He was a mega fan of Feather 'n Fin!

But before Feather 'n Fin was Ronnie's go-to place to be, a certain other restaurant where one could get a Big Mac and fries with that was his favorite stop. It was there at McDonald's on Main Street where he met and fell in love with a certain beautiful, smart, and feisty shift manager from Whaleyville named Joelynn Christine Roberts. They were happily married soon thereafter. And to that union, three children were born.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his older brother, Casper Edmonds, Sr. (2009), and one grandson, Breon Edmonds (2018).

Left to cherish fond memories are: his wife, Joelynn Christine Edmonds; two daughters, Keisha Edmonds, Willetha Edmonds; one son, Ronnie Edmonds, Jr. (Shakunda); three grandchildren and their siblings, Chantel Edmonds (Ronnie), Victoria Harrison (Adam), Ronnie Edmonds, III (Asia), Kyndal Felton, Dylan Spruiell, and Ashton Spruiell (Maddie); two brothers: Joseph Milteer (Marva), and Donnie Edmonds; one sister-in-law: Laverne Edmonds; one brother-in-law: Cleveland Robertson, one uncle: Cyrus Hedgepeth (Alberta); close friends who stuck with him from the beginning to the end: Ricky Beale, Elder Bernell Sherrod, Henry Cherry, and Roger Knight. He will also be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.