Joseph Falls Edwards, Jr.

A Life Well Lived

Joseph Falls Edwards was born on March 13, 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee (TN) to the late Joseph Sr. and Hattie Edwards. Joe transitioned from earth to glory on September 23, 2020 at Washington Hospital, D.C. of natural causes. In his early years, Joe developed his strong work ethic by delivering newspapers before school; participating on the basketball team after school; and attending church services/activities at the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church.

After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Joe was drafted during the Vietnam War, but decided to enlist into the U.S. Air Force instead. He trained as a Health Medic from 1967 to 1973, and true to his work ethic, Joe became an excellent tennis player and marksmen.

After leaving the Military, Joe entered Warsaw College and Eastern Michigan University graduating as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, CRTT/RRT. He worked at several hospitals in the Detroit area. As a veteran, Joe was drawn to caring for veterans and dedicated 30 years to the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital.

Joe transferred to the Murfreesboro, TN VA hospital in 1986 and worked part-time at the Middle TN Medical Center, where he met his wife Omega. They married on November 13, 1989. As a clinical instructor for the VA Hospital, Joe taught/trained Meharry Medical College students on mechanical ventilation. Joe was known for his expertise on respiratory equipment research.

He wrote for the Nashville Medical News and the Advance for Respiratory Care Newspaper.
Upon retirement from his professional career, Joe became an avid golfer. He loved competitive tournaments often the winner of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. He took time and patience to teach his wife the game of golf, where they traveled the East Coast and Southern States playing at various golf courses.

In Oct. 2004, Joe supported his wife’s career by relocating to the Maryland/Washington D.C. (DMV) area. Missing caring for the sick, he came out of retirement and worked at the Providence Hospital, D.C. until September 2009.

His greatest pride/joy was serving 12 years as a member of the King’s Men Choir of The Ebenezer AME Church. A choir of 200 black men under the direction of Byron Cage, Gospel Recording Artist, they performed at churches in the DMV area.

Left to celebrate Joseph Edwards’ life and legacy is his wife Omega Edwards; Son, Reginald (Wife/Kenyetta) Miller; Daughter, Vasonda Jones; Sister, Matton Jackson; Sister Beverly Brooks; Stepbrother, Bernard Washington; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7.