Mr. Ronnie L. Edmonds, Sr.

Ronnie Lee Edmonds, Sr. was born on Tuesday, January 18, 1955 in Petersburg, Virginia.  Ronnie fell asleep in death on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He was 65 years young.

 

Ronnie was raised by his parents, the late Deacon Willard and Deaconess Hazelean Walker. He was the seventh of eleven children.  Ronnie was educated in the Petersburg Public School System and was a graduate of the Petersburg High School Class of 1974.  He began his secular vocation with the Petersburg Lumber Yard and later gained employment with the Petersburg Department of Sanitation.  Ronnie was a dedicated, hard worker and used these opportunities to prepare for future employment. He was employed with the Beachwood Board of Education in Cleveland, Ohio until he retired in 2007. 

 

In 1975, Ronnie made two of the most important commitments of his life.  First, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Graves. This union was blessed with three children - Ronnie Jr., Leah, and Stephen.  Second, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and zealously served as a ministerial servant in the Monticello Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  He took great pride in his Christian responsibilities, always dependable, prompt, and ready to serve.  Ronnie believed that death is likened to a deep sleep and he had faith in Jesus’ promise, “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life,”—John 5:28, 29.  He shared his hope with those he came in contact with.

 

Ronnie dearly loved family and friends, and was known for his sense of humor and zest for life.  He enjoyed a variety of leisure activities to include—fishing, golfing, sports, cooking, and eating crabs.  His music of choice was Jazz and Rhythm and Blues.  Prior to settling in Cleveland, Ohio, Ronnie looked forward to spending time with his uncle and cousins farming in Oxford, North Carolina. He also looked forward to his annual trips to visit family and friends in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Manassas, Virginia.

 

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; and four siblings—Vivian Walker, Estelle Edmonds, Laverne Edmonds, and Leroy Edmonds.  

 

Ronnie leaves to cherish his memory, the mother of his children and friend, Mary Edmonds; three children, Ronnie Jr., Leah (Charles Tyson), and Stephen; three grandchildren, Chase, Bailey, and Hendrix Tyson; six siblings, Deloris Johnson (Malcolm), Sherman Edmonds (Juanita), Larry Edmonds (Gwen), Elaine Brown (Mitch), Cassandra Walker, and Sharon Christine Walker; a host of nieces and nephews who loved him just because he was “Uncle Ronnie”; special cousins, Monique Lovet, Richard Harris, and Joan Burton; special friend, Sheila Wilson; and the many cousins and friends that are too numerous to name.  

 

                                       Acknowledgments

 

Each of you in your own way have touched us deeply and we will be forever grateful.

We sincerely thank you for all your love and expressions of kindness during this difficult time.  All the phone calls/texts, Zoom visits and virtual hugs were much needed and appreciated during Ronnie’s illness and especially now.

 

You have encouraged us to stay strong in our faith so that we can be reunited with our father, grandfather, brother or uncle in God’s promised new world free of sickness and death! (Revelation 21:1-5; Job 14:13-15)

 

Public viewing for Mr. Ronnie L. Edmonds will be on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 from 5:00PM – 9:00PM at the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment.

Drive in Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Ronnie L. Edmonds will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 11:00AM at the Dinwiddie Memorial Park, 7324 Church Rd., Petersburg, Virginia 23803.

Family and friends are asked to assemble at the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of God In Christ, 233 Halifax St., Petersburg, Virginia at 9:45AM on the day of the service.

Masks are required at all services and visitations. Attendees are also asked to follow social distancing guidelines.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia 23803, Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director. (804) 732-5959. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”.