John Edwards

On December 6. 2024. Johnathan Jermaine Edwards answered the call of Jesus and entered eternal rest.

Johnathan was born to his parents Gayneal Edwards Parris and Kevin L. Chapman on May 24, 1976, shortly after he was born his mother met and married Keith Parris who raised him and remained close to him. He was predeceased in death by his grandparents and two uncles James Anthony Edwards and Woolard Jay Edwards. Johnathan, affectionately called John has one daughter Sheila Deering.

John graduated from Courtland High School in Spotsylvania, VA, where he was a star athlete. He lettered in football and was recruited by several division one colleges, He also attended Norfolk State University. In 2008 he met the love of his life, his wife Melissa Eplin, and moved to Florida where he made his home.

From this union he became the stepfather to Destinee Roscoe, Jesse Roscoe, and Isaiah Green. He was also the grandfather (Pop pop) to Amelia, Ronin, and Redden.

John worked for Boston Whaler as a parts inspector. He inspired Isaiah to try out for football and that became a passion between the of them. He helped to coach and train Isaiah through pop warner and through high school. He was a mentor to all the youth players in our area. He taught himself photography so he could help to capture special moments of all the players on the field. He was part of a champion men’s flag football team. He loved music and taught himself to operate music equipment and programs to make music with Jesse and his friend Dee. He enjoyed spending time at the beach and loving on his grandkids.

John loved his family and was a good and kind man. He had a light and spirit that made everyone feel comfortable. He made friends easily and never met a stranger. He had a warm sense of humor and loved to laugh. He was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan.

John is survived by his wife Melissa, his daughter Sheila, his brother Kristofer, his half-brother Andre Carroll, his half-brother Kevin Chapmam Jr, his half-brother Jamaal Lindsey, his half-sister Arline Carroll, his mother Gayneal, his father Kevin, and his stepfather Keith Parris, his step children and grandkids, several aunts he was particularly close to Frena Givens, and Stephanie Patton, uncles, nephews and a large host of cousins and friends. He will truly be missed.

Join as we come together and honor the life of John. We have felt sadness and grief for John's passing, but now it's time for us to celebrate the remarkable life he lived. Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, January 2, 2024, at 4pm. at the Hammock Community Center, 79 Mala Compra Rd. Palm Coast, Florida 32137