Donavan Ruthven Edwards

Donavan, better known as “Don”, “uncle” and “Don Juan”, was born in Trinidad, West Indies on September 28, 1947, to the late Rita Castillo and the late Ruthven Edwards. He attended primary and high school in Trinidad. In 1968, Donavan migrated to Brooklyn, New York, United States. While in New York, Donavan worked and retired from Con Edison as a Class A Gas Mechanic. Donavan was blessed with three children prior to his last marriage: Hakim Edwards, Cicely Edwards and Tamieka Bobb.

In 1973, Donavan met the love of his life, Sherma Edwards, at the bus stop on Lennox Road and Bedford Avenue while both were only 26 and 21, respectively. They married in 1985 and continued to be partners until Donavan’s last breath. Don and Sherma had Donnell Edwards, the late Kevin Edwards and Danielle Downer.

In 1988, Donavan moved his family from Brooklyn, New York to Longwood, Florida. In 1989, Don and Sherma opened up a restaurant named “Danielle’s West Indian Restaurant”, where Don helped introduce Trinidadian cuisine to Sanford, Florida. Due to the economy in Florida, Don moved back to Brooklyn, New York in 1992. While in New York, Don discovered his love for making masks for the West Indian Day parade in New York City. Don assisted his good friend Calvin Ramirez (“Jap”) on award-winning masks for Sherma and their children for the parade. Don also became a zealous aviculturist. Don was well known for his love for birds and breeding them. At one time, Don had over 150 birds in his own private aviary that he built for himself.

In 2005, Don moved back to Longwood, Florida. Don became an avid gardener and especially loved his pepper plants. Don planted the hottest peppers from around the world in his garden, which he would later use to make his famous pepper sauce. Don had a very strong faith and belief in God. In 1981, Don was baptized with his wife and stepson: the late Timothy Martin Philip Jr. Don practiced the spiritual Baptist Christian faith and was a founder of Saint Catherine Spiritual Baptist Ministries located in Florida. In the church, Don was a leader, King Shepherd, baptizer (over 14 years) and board member. In and out of the church, Don was known for lending a helping hand, giving out a plate of food and a listening ear. Don was loved for his famous sweet tea, bake, saltfish, mauby and black pudding. Don visited Africa, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and loved road trips, which he would often do with his family.

In addition, Donavan was survived by his children Shyidah Lloyd, and Gabrielle Lloyd. Donavan was predeceased by his late sister Margaret Castillo. Donavan was survived by his following nephews and nieces: Sherline Castillo, Bridget Castillo, Marcine Castillo, Martin Castillo, Mon Castillo, Dave Castillo, and Vincent Castillo. He was survived by many great nephews and nieces, including Kasheim Castillo who Donavan was a groomsman in his weddings and who would often visit him. Don was survived by his grandchildren Nicolas Dowling, Geovanni Julia, Jujuan Edwards, Delon Harrison, Tahj Harrison, Nakai Fennell, Samira Simpson, Mojisola Edwards, Alethia Edwards, Daniella Downer, Isabella Downer, and Ethan Clarke and several great grandchildren. Don will be held in the heart of many and may the good times shared with him be cherished. Come with it on the beep!