Obituary of Kevin William Edwards

Kevin’s Story

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee... Jeremiah 1:5

It was September 17, 1966, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, when William Earl Edwards Jr. and Cornelia Edwards were blessed with the birth of their fourth child, Kevin William Edwards.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge... Proverbs 1:7

Kevin was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and attended Samuel Pennypacker elementary school and Morris E. Leeds middle school before graduating from high school at Martin Luther King Jr. in 1984. At King, Kevin was a class officer and ran for the cross- country track team. He formed many life-long friendships while at school, one of which was the “Bro-Ternity” - The Slimboys, which he and several friends formed after graduating high school.

Kevin, a life-long pursuer of knowledge, also took advantage of every opportunity to further his education. He attended Penn State University and Widener University before earning his B.S in Urban Ministry Leadership from Geneva College. Kevin also earned a master’s degree in divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart... Colossians 3:23

From a young age, Kevin realized the value of hard work and earned “pocket money” shoveling snow and running errands for neighbors. He explored many different trades as a young man, eventually working his way up to manager at Pizza Hut. Later, enlisting in the Army National Guard, Kevin was trained as an x-ray specialist. He continued in this field after leaving military service and worked as an x-ray technician at several local area hospitals including Hahnemann, Abington and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Learning more in the field, Kevin became certified as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

Kevin quickly established himself as a dedicated and distinguished colleague at CHOP. In addition to being appointed as the Team Leader of Nuclear Medicine and PET, he also received a commendation from the Director of Radiology for his “quick and calm response to an emergency situation that helped save a child’s life.” His devotion to his work was most evident when he worked with his young patients and was known to buy candy and DVD’s to help them relax during procedures. Kevin made many friends during his tenure at CHOP and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of calling him friend.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD... Psalm 127:3

Kevin was blessed with one child, a daughter- Shantaya. He spoke proudly of her accomplishments from childhood through current time. Kevin always supported Shantaya’s dreams and aspirations. He admired her confidence in traveling abroad (semester in Spain) and even endured a 15 hour flight to South Korea where Shantaya taught English at an elite private school. His concerns were moot as she led him in navigating from city to city and communicated in Korean! At that point, he knew his daughter was “good”.

Every good gift...is from above... James 1:17a

To say that Kevin enjoyed cooking was an understatement! He hosted annual cook outs, special meals, and catered food for family, friends, and church events. Chef Kev was creative in the kitchen, experimenting with spices and herbs, and revised recipes to delicious results. His famous sweet potato pie was enjoyed by all who were able to taste it!

Be still and know that I AM GOD... Psalm 46:10

Kevin was a Christian who loved the Lord. He exemplified his love for Christ by ministering to those he met and by living as a Christian should. He didn’t just talk the talk but walked the walk! He was known for gladly helping in any way he could and would always be there when needed.

Kevin was saved at an early age while attending a family church event in Virginia. He completed degrees in Christian studies at Palmer Bible Institute and Geneva College and took great pleasure in reading the Bible and other Christian literature. He enjoyed sharing this information with others. Kevin taught classes for several semesters at the Mount Airy Religious Training Institute and performed in several plays in the church’s Drama Ministry.

Kevin joined the Freedom Christian Bible Fellowship (Bishop Gilbert Coleman, Pastor) and was installed as a Deacon. He later fellowshipped with the Universal Missionary Baptist Church (Robert Preston, Pastor).

It was Kevin‘s desire for everyone he knew, to come to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, and, with that goal in mind, devoted himself to Outreach. In 2006, Kevin became a dedicated supporter of the Charity Baptist Church and served on various committees.

In 2022, Kevin was inspired to start a men’s ministry with family and friends from high school and college. Under Kevin‘s leadership, the group named Agents of Change, held weekly Bible studies and participated in both local and out-of-state Outreach efforts. They supported in need individuals to show Christ’s love.

Kevin professed a call on his life from the Lord in 2023 and began his ministerial journey under the watch care of his pastor, Dr. Danielle Massey. He worked and served diligently during this process.

Kevin was ordained as a minister of the gospel, posthumously, on November 12, 2024.

I thank my God in all remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3

Kevin leaves behind to cherish fond memories, one daughter, Shantaya Brinson; a brother, Waynne Edwards; three sisters, Debra Wyllie, Denise Mendez , and Gina Edwards; three nephews, Lt. Col. Sergio Wyllie, Kamal Machicote and Onaje Weza; and half-siblings Yvonne Banner (Harvey), Elaine Edwards, and Vincent Edwards (predeceased).

The sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul. Proverbs 27:9b

Also left to cherish Kevin‘s memories are his cousin Derek, who is more like a brother, and many other lifelong “brother and sister friends” including Freda, Sam, Eric, Stan, Kevin, Calvin, Lou, Patrick, Rob, the men of Agents of Change, his Pastor Danielle Massey, with whom he had a treasured friendship of over 40 years, and many more family, friends, coworkers, church members, neighbors and loved ones.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant!

Lovingly Submitted, The Family

Our Brother

Brother, you have journeyed on, To rest where our Lord has drawn. Your laughter echoes, soft and near, In memories we hold so dear.

Through days of joy, through times of pain, You stood by us, a steady flame. A friend, a guide, a heart so true, Our lives are enriched by knowing you.

Though you have left this world’s embrace, Your spirit fills every quiet space. And as we part, we hold you tight Knowing you are with Jesus in the eternal Light.