Sylvia A. Edwards

Sylvia Ann (Lewis) Edwards, a devoted wife (affectionately known as Sweetheart by her husband), mother, and grandmother was born on August 1, 1947 in Saginaw, Michigan, to Luciose and Jessie Mae Lewis, Sr. She was the fourth of eight children. She graduated from Carrollton Public Schools. Sis. Edwards accepted Christ at an early age and served faithfully at the Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years in various ministries. She went home to be with the Lord on October 17, 2024.

Sylvia shared her love for people as she worked tirelessly in the healthcare industry. She worked in hospitals and provided in-home care for those who were elderly or disabled. After retirement, she extended her caring nature to early childhood education and worked in the classroom as a teacher’s aide. Sis. Edwards was quite humorous and had the best one-liners and comebacks. She was outspoken and never hesitated to speak her mind. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching Family Feud, Hallmark movies, and Lifetime movies. 

Mother Edwards was an excellent cook. She was famous for her spaghetti, dressing, macaroni and cheese, german chocolate cake, and coconut cake. She delighted in hosting family and friends for the holidays. Her house was always welcoming and open to anyone who stopped by unannounced or with short notice. She passionately showed off her hundreds of butterfly decorations to all who entered her home. To her nieces and nephews, she was affectionately known as “Aunt Sylvie” as she was a surrogate mother and grandmother to many, especially those without a mother or grandmother. And while she was not the oldest of her siblings, many family members always believed that she was in charge. 

As the First Lady of Mt. Moriah MBC for the past 34 years, Mother Edwards stood alongside her husband, Pastor Johnie F. Edwards, Sr. serving with grace and dedication. The Saginaw Valley Ministers’ wives and widows held a special place in her heart. She faithfully attended all the meetings and even participated on her tablet via Zoom during the pandemic. She traveled extensively throughout the state and country to participate in the Wolverine State Baptist and National Baptist Convention. 

She leaves to cherish her husband of 47 years Pastor Johnie F. Edwards, Sr., three children: Serena Johnson-Adams, Johnny (Elder Rhonda) Edwards, Jr., and Desiree Edwards; six grandchildren: Min. Sir Andre Johnson, George (Sharnice) Adams, Jr., Ashley Adams, DaJuan Edwards, Brooke Edwards, and Jonathan Edwards; four great-grandchildren: Jayden Bracey, Gia, George III, and Skye Adams; siblings: Otelia (James) Jones, Pastor Luciose (Kayron) Lewis, Jr., Olivia Lewis, and Edwin (Pastor Leslie) Lewis; in-loves: Juanita Holmes, Hattie Ruth (Rodger) Harris, Elgia (James) Curtis, Gloria (Pastor Johnnie) Butler, Albert (Twanda) Edwards; Godchildren: Vanessa (Earnest) Norwood, September Garza, Katrina (Deacon James) Rhoden, Annette Sanks-Green and Janette Sanks, DeMarcus Carroll, God-Grandchildren Aniya Gray and Jordan Simpson, God-Sister: Verlinda (Deacon Leroy) Baston, Special mother: Mother Willie Mae Tatum and countless people touched by her unwavering faith, generosity, and love. 

 She is preceded in death by her children: Baby Jarvis Juan Edwards and Samantha Ann Johnson; parents: Luciose and Jessie Mae Lewis, Sr.; and siblings: Gertrude Lewis, Estella Reeves, and Dorsey Lewis.

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For online only:

The funeral service will be streamed on Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069177460743&mibextid=ZbWKwL

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For online only:

The funeral service will be streamed on Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069177460743&mibextid=ZbWKwL