Obituary of Daniel Edwards

Daniel Edwards was born to the late Morris Edwards Sr. “Jake” and Emma Holmes-Edwards on October 15, 1929 in Georgetown, South Carolina. He was one of eleven children. Eight siblings preceded him in death (Moses, Lillian, Helen, Joseph, Morris, Joshua, Thomas, and William).

Daniel was educated in the Georgetown, South Carolina public school system. The family moved to New York after the death of his father and he continued his education in the New York City school system. He left school to help support the family but always had a passion for education. He would say, “Get your education, it’s something no one can take from you”.  

Daniel united in holy matrimony with Marion Alethia Fraser on October 14, 1950 and they enjoyed many wonderful years together. As the breadwinner of the family, Daniel had multiple occupations throughout his life which included working with his brother Joshua at a local florist and working for the NYC Parks Department, U.S. Post Office, and NYC Transit Authority. After his retirement from the New York City Transit Authority, he earned a GED diploma.

Daniel was a community change agent who aimed to advocate and help others voice their concerns. He served as President of the Queensbridge Tenants Association and a shop steward with the Transit Workers Union. He moved his family from New York to New Jersey in 1971 to provide a better quality of life. In New Jersey, he continued his community involvement by establishing and serving as President of the Ironbound Avenue Block Association and President of the St. Martin De Porres Society at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. He was truly blessed to lead an active life in the religious community. Daniel moved his membership from St. Mary’s to St. Joseph so his granddaughter, Alexandra Nicole Maye, could attend St. Joseph Elementary School in North Plainfield, NJ.

Daniel loved to cook for his family and was famous for his eggplant parmesan with seafood and delicious carrot cake. He enjoyed going to the opera to see his favorite show, Aida, with his children. He truly had an entrepreneurial spirit as he served in multiple roles including but not limited to: a home health aide, a butcher, a hairdresser and barber.

Daniel was a composed man who loved to laugh. He would often tell his children, “Use the common sense God gave you!”

God sent his angels to peacefully take Daniel home on Sunday, June 30, 2019.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Marion Edwards; 5 children: J. Yuhanna (Roslyn) Edwards of Mt. Vernon, NY, Anthony M. Edwards of Plainfield, NJ, Donna Edwards-Towns of Plainfield, NJ, Robin M. Edwards of Georgetown, SC and Mark J. Edwards of Plainfield, NJ;  6 grandchildren: Monte, Jamaal, Maiysha (Eric), Abdul, Jeena (Philip), and Alexandra; 7 great-grandchildren: Angel, Skye, Kyla, Corey, Ethan, Phylicia, and Zavier; 1 sister Mary Wright; 1 brother Kenneth Sears; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.