EDWARD H. TRISVAN

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have keep the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)

Mr. Edward H. Trisvan, 76, of Golden Living Center-Walnut Hill, Petersburg, passed away peacefully and calmly on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. Born in Sussex County, Va., on Sept. 9, 1938, Edward was one of the children of John Wesley Trisvan and Bernice Gilliam Trisvan. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Marcellus, Theron, Calvin, Laurence, John Smallwood, Dorothy Jones and Evelyn Hampton.

Edward attended the Sussex County Public Schools and continued to pursue his God given talents wherever he could. He was uniquely gifted and resourceful, faithful and dedicated to any job that came his way. He was baptized at an early age and became a member of the First Baptist Church, Jarratt, Va. He was not often present, but he was a motivator and an encourager for family and friends.

Early in life he married his childhood sweetheart, Eloise Meade, and they became the parents of two fine children, Bernice and Victor Trisvan. Edward grew up as a farm boy who assisted his father in planting, reaping, and planning and proved himself to be a great organizer, meticulous, disciplined and an indescribable "Boss". His trademarks were cleanliness and neatness which he exemplified on his jobs as well as on the streets. After leaving the farm, he worked numerous years at Imperial Reading and other sewing factories in Petersburg, Va. There he made many friends who still remember him for his commendable work habits and his attitude. To know Edward was to love him.

In 1990, Edward became a charter member of the Trisvan Lodge #84 where he as a faithful member and held all offices and worked his way up to Worshipful Master. He also held the highest office over the sisters, Worthy Patron and served faithfully until his health declined but still maintained his membership. The Trisvan Lodge merged with the Genesis Lodge #89 Lynchburg, Va., where Edward remained a member until his demise.

In his latter years he suffered a stroke yet he remained agile, dedicated and determined to overcome, but finally he had to be confined to the nursing home where he resided for many years. He never complained but had a remarkable warm spirit, always smiled, accepted guests with sparkling eyes and a handshake. His demeanor seemed to say: "I am alright, I am going to make it. Things could be worse. Don't feel sorry for me." Edward was a lover of television and entertained himself through westerns and football.

He leaves to cherish his memories, two sons, retired Master Sgt. Victor M. Trisvan of Fredericksburg, and Anthony Trisvan of Petersburg; one daughter, Bernice L. Trisvan of Stony Creek; one stepson, Melvin Trisvan of Jarratt; four grandchildren, Xavier Trisvan of Downing, Penn.; Demetrius Trisvan of Dover, Del., Nazasha Walker and Jamarius Gilmore of Petersburg; three great-grandchildren; one brother, devoted Gilbert Trisvan (Eleanor) of South Chesterfield; three sisters, Miriam Gerald of South Chesterfield, Ruby Lyles (James) of Columbus, Ga., and Ruth Marshall of Brooklyn, NY; one brother-in-law, Otis Hampton of Brooklyn, NY; one sister-in-law, Geneva Trisvan of South Chesterfield, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life for Mr. Edward H. Trisvan will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, at First Baptist Church, 18463 Little Mill Road, Jarrett, Va., the Rev. George R. Mayes, pastor, eulogist and the Rev. Linda Skipper, officiating. Interment to follow at the Trisvan Family Cemetery, Hunt Road, Jarratt, Va.

The family may be contacted by calling (434) 246-4615.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Trisvan at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., 804-732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.