Anthony Antonio Edwards, 53, formerly of 911 Battery Ave., Suffolk, died Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 in Sentara Obici Hospital. He was a native of Nansemond Country and the son of John T. Edwards and the late Hattie Gillespie.

He was educated in the Suffolk School System as well as New York Public Schools. He was formerly employed by the Suffolk Housing Authority. He was a member of Faith Temple Apostolic Church.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Vernestine Edwards; his children, Chenita Boykins, Anthony D. Edwards (Iyasha), of Suffolk, Terry Edwwards, Latanya Edwards and Pamela Edwards of Norfolk, Va; one granddaughter, Ayanna Edwards; seven sisters, Lilar Hayes, of Suffolk, Cheryl Homes, of New York, Crystal Brookins, of Fort Eustis, Tracey Edwards-Wright (Ronald), of Portsmouth, LaMonica Munford (Kevin), of Chesapeake, Lavonia Edwards, of Virginia Beach, Wanda Wynn (Darius), of Alexandria, Va.; four brothers, William Byron, Willie Byron, John Howard Jr. (Yolanda) and Arthur Johnson, of Suffolk; his father, John "Mr.T" Edwards (Margaret), of Suffolk; eight nieces, six great nephew, one great niece, six great nephews; a host of cousins, other family members and friends.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Aug.11, 2009 at Faith Temple Apostolic Church officiated by Elder Linwood Gilchrist. Interment will be in Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. The family will receive friends at 310 Fuller St., Suffolk Monday from 7 to 8 p.m.