Nationally-acclaimed Spiritual Activist. A lifelong Detroit resident, in 1986 the Rev. Eddie Edwards was renowned nationally for his efforts in transforming a 38-block neighborhood on Detroit’s east side from a blighted area into a respectable neighborhood. The project was the subject of a 1990 documentary. That same year, President Bush presented him with a Point of Light Award for his work, and he was named a Michiganian of the Year.Early in his ministry, he worked at Project Start, a nonprofit agency that got jobs for ex-convicts. He left Project Start in 1976 to found The Joy of Jesus Ministries, an interdenominational ministry that began as an after-school program for young people. The Joy of Jesus Ministries held Bible study classes, and operated a summer camp and other programs aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. He stepped down as president of Joy of Jesus Ministries in 2001, and began a new project aimed at linking churches and schools to tutor students and provide after-school activities. He died of cancer at the age of 68. Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Mary; five sons, Eddie, Kurk, Jimmi, Donald and Darrell; two daughters, Deirdri Putman and Christina Putman; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Nationally-acclaimed Spiritual Activist. A lifelong Detroit resident, in 1986 the Rev. Eddie Edwards was renowned nationally for his efforts in transforming a 38-block neighborhood on Detroit’s east side from a blighted area into a respectable neighborhood. The project was the subject of a 1990 documentary. That same year, President Bush presented him with a Point of Light Award for his work, and he was named a Michiganian of the Year.Early in his ministry, he worked at Project Start, a nonprofit agency that got jobs for ex-convicts. He left Project Start in 1976 to found The Joy of Jesus Ministries, an interdenominational ministry that began as an after-school program for young people. The Joy of Jesus Ministries held Bible study classes, and operated a summer camp and other programs aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. He stepped down as president of Joy of Jesus Ministries in 2001, and began a new project aimed at linking churches and schools to tutor students and provide after-school activities. He died of cancer at the age of 68. Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Mary; five sons, Eddie, Kurk, Jimmi, Donald and Darrell; two daughters, Deirdri Putman and Christina Putman; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
