Roland Edwards

Roland Edwards, our beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, went into cardiac arrest on July 18, 2023 at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. Though he was resuscitated, he never fully recovered and took his final breath in the presence of his daughter and her lifelong friend on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Roland Edwards was the last of 13 children born to Iris and Edwin Overton-Edwards in Georgetown, Guyana. Depending on who you ask, he was born on February 16, 1942 (according to his birth certificate) or February 17, 1943 (according to his mother). Either way, Roland grew up in Georgetown, Guyana playing football (soccer), cricket, and hanging out with his friends. They eventually formed the group Swansea and became lifelong friends.

When Roland left Guyana, he moved to London, England for a few years, and then to New York City. He eventually ended up in Washington DC. It is there where a mutual friend would introduce him to his second wife Sandra Smith. They got married June 1981, and moved to Atlanta shortly afterward. In August 1985, his "one and only" child Dafina was born.

To know Roland was to understand he had a witty sense of humor, impeccable memory, and constant willingness to help others. He would do anything for his friends and family and loved fiercely. Roland loved his daughter dearly, and would tell everyone who would listen about her accomplishments. He was a runner at heart, and ran until he couldn't run anymore. He was an avid sports fan, watching everything including tennis, basketball, football (soccer), and especially cricket, cheering on the West Indies cricket team, even when it hurt. All in all, he always said he lived a good life, and it showed in the stories he told and the relationships he cultivated.

Roland Edwards is preceded in death by his parents Iris and Edwin; sisters Ruth, Elvy, Edwina, Ethel, Cynthia (Joyce), Eslyn, and Elaine; and brothers Allan and Edwin (Bonnie).

He leaves behind his ex-wife and dear friend Sandra; loving daughter Dafina; brothers Jack and Henry; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends to cherish his memory.

Friends and family are welcome to join in the celebration of his life on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 12pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 5755 Mallory Road, College Park, Georgia 30349. Services will be streamed on the Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens Facebook page and via Zoom.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the American Heart Association in Roland's honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnfuneralhomemg.com for the Edwards family.