Joseph Samuel Edwards III went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 22, 2025 after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 20, 1951 in Newport News, Virginia to Joseph S. Edwards Jr. and Oceolia R.  Edwards.

Joe accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age and attended First Baptist Church East End. There he served as an usher, and served in other ministries.

Joe was educated in the Newport News Public School System and graduated from Huntington High School in 1969. He was known as a great track and field athlete and participated in various clubs and activities. He then went on to attend Thomas Nelson Community College receiving an Associate's Degree. Following this, he served 4 years in United States Air Force.

He furthered his education and received a Bachelor of Science in Special Ed. from Norfolk State University. Joe was later employed by Newport News Public Schools, where he taught at various schools: Newsome Park, Warwick High School, and Ferguson High School. He also received a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University. After completing his degree at ODU, he became a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  He held several leadership positions such as School and Community Liaison at Huntington Middle School, Assistant Principal at Dozier Middle School, and Heritage High School. In 2021, Joe retired as Assistant Principal of Operations at Menchville High School.

Joe was affectionately known as Mr. E, Coach E, Joey, and last but not least, Joe Joe. His love for his family, his church, his students, his friends, and all the people in his life will always be part of his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph S. Edwards Jr. and Oceolia R. Edwards; one brother, Melvin S. Edwards.

Joe leaves to cherish his wife of 28 years, Linda, his three sons: Dnard Edwards (Ruby), Jahmil Edwards (Tanyce), and Brandon Edwards; his five grandchildren: DeSean, Cameron, Dion, Devyn, and Donovan; two sisters: Brenda Wheeler (Ben), Vivian Kane (Mark): one brother, Michael Edwards; Godchildren: Dathan Kane, Darrick Alston, and Dana Edwards; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025 there will be a visitation with family and friends beginning at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church East End located at 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607 followed by the Omega Memorial Service by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated at 6 p.m. Homegoing Service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at First Baptist Church East End.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church East End Scholarship Fund                          in the name of Joseph S. Edwards III.

INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS:

Go to myfbcee.org

• Click E-giving tab
• Click to make a donation (blue box) *Do not use CashApp or PayPal*
• Under Give Now, select one time
• In the fund drop down box, select Joseph Edwards Scholarship Fund
• Enter the amount of the gift
• Submit

Contributions will also be accepted via check.  Please make check payable to First Baptist Church East End.  Indicate Joseph Edwards Scholarship on the memo line. Mail to First Baptist Church East End- 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA  23607.

Thank you in advance for your memorial contribution to the Joseph S. Edwards III Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church East End.  May God continue to bless you.