Lawrence Joel Edwards' Obituary
Lawrence “Joel” Edwards, 82 of Evans, GA passed away October 14, 2022.
Joel was born on September 2, 1940, in Atlanta and as the story has it, stopped the Labor Day parade. Joel graduated from West Fulton High School. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 4 years. Just before discharge, he met Janell and they were married 6 months later on September 20, 1964. They had 58 wonderful years together.
Joel retired from Sears and Roebuck after 50 years. Joel and Janell lived in Mableton, GA for 40 years where they raised their 3 daughters. He was a member and deacon at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church.
After retirement they moved to their lake home in Greensboro, GA on Lake Oconee and remained there until 2018 when they relocated to Evans, GA. Joel served actively at Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church while they lived at the lake, helping with the food ministry. After settling in Evans, they became members of Grace Baptist Church while also supporting River Rock where their son-in-law is lead pastor.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Mildred and JB Edwards; brother Gene “Buster” Edwards; and sister Margaret Dutton.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Janell; children, Kelly (Kyle) Berry, Karen (Christopher) Walsh, Kristy (Jeff) Kertscher; 5 grandsons, Michael (Destiny) Nolan, Matthew Nolan, Elijah Kertscher, Josh Kertscher, Luke Walsh; sisters, Juanita Monroe, and Sandra (George) Bartlett; sister-in-law, Barbara Edwards; and a cousin who was more like a sister, Mildred Samples.
Funeral Services will be held at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 18th, 2:00 PM with Pastor Jeff Kertscher officiating. Visitation will be held before the service at the church from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Harmony Memorial Gardens.
Flowers are accepted, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joel’s name to River Rock Church, Augusta, at RiverRockNow.org.
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