Jasper Thomas Edwards, Jr.

Mr. Jasper Thomas Edwards, Jr., 59, of Winston-Salem, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.  Jasper was born in Henderson, NC on November 19, 1959, to the late Jasper Thomas Edwards, Sr. and Ruby Culbreth Edwards.  Jasper graduated from Vance Senior High in 1978.  Following graduation, he served 3 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps.  At the conclusion of his military service Jasper attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 1986.  Jasper joined New York Life Insurance in 1988 and worked as a licensed broker until life presented other tough challenges in 1993.  Jasper had an impressively strong sense of self, family, and community.  He was an avid golfer in his early years and a lifelong Tar Heels fan.  He was an active member and past president of the W-S Twin City Host Lions Club.  Despite physical limitations, Jasper found a way to lend his talents and heart to Samaritan Ministries.  His solid, deep faith never wavered as he maintained strong ties to Knollwood Baptist Church.  In recent years, the staff and patrons of the William G. White Family YMCA became his second family as his determination to beat the odds never faltered.  Jasper’s positive attitude and internal fortitude were an inspiration to many.  Purely authentic, unreservedly honest, incredibly stubborn, and continuously giving -- Jasper was steadfast and courageous to the very end.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Guy and Timothy Edwards.  Jasper is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Holmes Edwards; one granddaughter, Bella Hope Edwards; former spouse and life companion, Lib Edwards; one brother, Tony Edwards; one sister-in-law and niece, Tracy Edwards and Taylor Edwards; and loyal friend and caretaker, Debra Scott.  A service to celebrate Jasper’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Knollwood Baptist Church, 330 Knollwood St, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 with Dr. Bob Setzer, Jr. officiating.  A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan Ministries, 414 E. Northwest Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27105, http://www.samaritanforsyth.org; or William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA at https://ymcanwnc.org.  Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family of Mr. Edwards.