In December, 2013, Reverend Dr. Edwards retired as the pastor of New Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA after 20 years of service. Previously he served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Orlando, Suffolk, VA. Dr. Edwards has also served as the Youth Coordinator and Associate Minister at his beloved home church, Historic First Baptist Church on Bute Street, Norfolk, VA. Rev. Edwards served three years in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer and rose from the rank of second lieutenant to captain. While on active duty in Vietnam, he was awarded several medals, including two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He is a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He currently serves as the Immediate Past 54th President of the 130 year old historic Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers' Conference of VA, Inc. His numerous civic and professional affiliations include his current position of chaplain for Lambda Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as well as, chaplain for the fraternity's 3rd District. He received the chapter's Unsung Hero Award in 2004, Citizen of the year in 2008, and the Omega Man of the Year Award in 2012. Rev. Dr. Edwards was inducted into the Norfolk State University Military Alumni Hall of Fame in 1998. He served two consecutive terms on the board of the Norfolk State University National Alumni Association and is a Life Member. He also holds life membership in the Purple Heart Military Order of Purple Heart Assoc. of the USA and the New Vietnam Veterans of America. In November, 2010, Dr. Edwards was awarded the prestigious honor of induction into the Distinguished Alumni Academy of Norfolk State University. In June, 2012, he was awarded the community service award by the Portsmouth chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Dr. Edwards, his wife Rev. Dee and family received the John H. Foster Family Award for Community Service in August, 2012 given by the Hampton Roads Pro-Am Basketball League, Inc. Dr. Edwards has taught undergraduate courses at the Richmond Virginia Seminary, Norfolk Extension and the VA Union University School of Theology, Norfolk Extension. He has conducted revivals locally and nationally. With his wife, Rev. Dee, they conduct Christian Education and marital workshops together. Rev. Dr. Edwards earned his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Norfolk Theological Seminary and College, Norfolk, VA and his Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University, Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology in Richmond, VA. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Norfolk State University. He has been married to the former Delores Hall Winfield for fifty-one years. Together they have three adult daughters, two sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, and one great grandson. REVEREND DELORES W. EDWARDS: PROFILE Reverend Delores Winfield Edwards was born in Norfolk, VA. As a child she attended Norfolk Public Schools and Chesapeake Public Schools. She graduated from Booker T. Washington, High School, Norfolk, where she also met her husband of 51 years, Rev. Dr. James Edwards, III. In order to further her education, she attended Tidewater Community College, Evans-Smith School of Theology (Union University Extension, Norfolk, VA), and Richmond Virginia Seminary, Norfolk Extension. In 2004 she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies, and graduated Cum Laude from Hampton University. She was one of only two graduates from this pilot degree program. Rev. Dee is a May, 2013 graduate from the Urban Education Community Counseling Master Degree Program at Norfolk State University. She also takes advantage of Christian Education workshops and seminars yearly in the quest to study to show herself approved of God so that she may rightly divide the Word of Truth. Reverend Edwards was licensed by New Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA to preach the Gospel in 2000. In January 2006, she was ordained as the Minister of Christian Education at New Rose of Sharon, where her husband, recently retired as pastor. She is an active member of the Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers' Conference of VA, Norfolk, where her husband also serves as the Immediate Past 54th president. In her professional life she serves as a (retired) member and Past -President of the Association of Educational Office Professionals of Norfolk (AEOPN). She also holds membership In the Virginia Association of Community Counselors (VACC). Reverend Edwards is a recent retiree of Norfolk Public Schools. Reverend Dr. James & Reverend Dee reside in Chesapeake, Virginia and together have three adult daughters, Mrs. Monica Ferebee (Raymond), Rev. Donita M. Edwards and Mrs. Jaimie Edwards Caleb (Keith). They also have seven grandchildren, Winfield, Korinn, Blake, Toya, Blaire, Kyndal, and Joi, as well as, two great grandsons, Javon and Nasaiah. She acknowledges her gift of exhortation and is eager to teach others as she shares the goodness of the Lord. She is an eternal optimist who consistently helps others to seek their own potential in Christ. Reverend First Lady Dee Edwards gives all glory and honor to Jesus Christ. It is her own personal relationship with Him that she attributes success, both personal and professional. If there were a life motto by which she would wish to be known, it is, May the Life I live speak for me. When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to a rock that is higher than I Psalm 61:2b (KJV) Reverend Donita Michelle Edwards was born in Norfolk, VA, to Reverends James and Delores Edwards, III. She was educated in the Chesapeake Public School System and completed the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Apprenticeship Program in Portsmouth, VA, where she obtained certification as a Journeyman Pipefitter Mechanic. Reverend Edwards is a graduate of Norfolk State University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She also earned a Master of Divinity Degree in Practical Theology from Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. She was licensed to preach the Gospel in June 1999 and ordained in July 2008 by Reverend Dr. James Edwards, III, and New Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA. In her professional life, she is employed as their Christian Learning Center Director. Reverend Donita is a woman of prayer and purpose. She recently published her first book entitled, The Man You Are Trying to Marry Is Not Your Husband. In May 2013, she became founder of Birthright Kingdom Deliverance Ministries, Inc. - established to educate, encourage, partner and empower the Body of Christ through birthing healthy ministries and ministers, deliverance and releasing God's glory. In February 2014, she joined Mount Hermon Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA, under the pastorate of Reverend Steven A. Lewis. She serves as the Singles' Pastor. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, she was inspired to create a website, www.Hisgrace4us.com where you can see more of her unique ministry. In addition, she can be heard on 1270AM every Saturday at 7-7:15am. Reverend Edwards resides in Chesapeake, VA, providing a Christian home for her two beautiful and God-sent daughters, Blake & Blaire.