Pastor Joe E. Edwards

Reverend Joe E. Edwards, D.Div. h.c. was born on September 25, 1939, to the late Emmett & Estelle Edwards in Lockhart, Alabama. He was the father to Pamela Edwards Holt (John Holt), Shelia Edwards Looney (Rev. Ray Looney) and Donna Edwards Garland (Joel Garland). He was Granddaddy to Kimberleigh Stewart Daniels, Ph.D. (Garrin Daniels), Jennifer Looney Ezell (Mike Ezell), Brooke Stewart Morris (Josh Morris), Candace Looney Walden (Kirk Walden), Ashley Garland Penland (Brad Penland), and Erica Garland Smith (Trey Smith). When he graduated to Great-Grandfather, he finally got boys! Joe Daniels, Gabe Daniels, BrookelynClaire Daniels, Reed Ezell, Raelyn Walden, Blakely Morris, Bethany Daniels, Houston Walden, Brock Morris, Sawyer Ezell, Lucas Penland, Lincoln Ezell, Sophia Smith, Olivia Smith, Brady Penland, and Mia Smith.

He is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law, six granddaughters and grandsons-in-law, sixteen greatgrandchildren, two sisters (Janice Robinson and Sue Dieterich), a brother (Jerry Edwards), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Reverend Edwards is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother (Steve Edwards), wife (Pansy Edwards with whom he had 3 daughters), and wife Rebecca (Becky) Edwards.

Reverend Edwards proudly signed up to serve his country in the U.S. Army at the age of 15. By the age of 17, he earned the title of Lieutenant. When he was informed that he would be deployed to Germany resulting in him missing his first Christmas at home with his Momma, he informed them that he would not be going. He was sternly instructed that he did not have a choice in the matter. He then let them know that they could not make him go, because he was too young to be in the Army. He was promised a double promotion immediately upon arrival if he would stay. He was told that he had a promising career in the Army and would be ruining his life if he left. Always decisive, he jumped many hoops, left the Army, and was home for Christmas.

He was saved and called to ministry in dramatic fashion at age 25. He served in ministry for half-century beginning at McCowan Creek Church of God and went on to pastor 12 churches in 3 states.

He was a guest speaker at The Cartersville Church of God in 1986. By the time the night was over, he had been invited to be their new pastor and began his 30 year tenure at what is now The Church at Liberty Square. His impact in the county he made his home will continue to be felt for generations.

He did not only endeavor for the benefit of his church but for the wellbeing of the community. He began Harvest House, initiated the local National Day of Prayer, founded Excel Christian Academy, and was the visionary for the acquisition and development of 186 acres. With a dream of lives being lived from the cradle to the grave in the shadow of the cross, Liberty Square was built and expanded to 80+ ministries. He fostered relationships among ministers across denominational lines and with businessmen and politicians that the work of The Lord and the people of the community might be served.

In the Church of God, he served as State Overseer of Northern Ohio, Evangelism Director of the State of Alabama, was a member of the Executive Council of Eighteen for the Church of God Denomination, and guest lecturer at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He also served as Chaplain in the State Capitol.

He had the heart of The Shepard for his congregation. His love, thoughts, and prayers for them went beyond the stage. The love of God’s people was a part of family conversations. He instructed his family to love the people as God does, and he demonstrated it when he left vacations, family functions, and ventured out into the night to serve the people he “had the honor to serve.”

Somehow, in all of this, he managed to love his family in word and in deed, with time and attention. In a family of 34, you will not find one who did not feel uniquely seen and wholly loved by him. He rocked babies, played on the floor with children and listened wide eyed to their outlandish tales, accompanied teens to shopping and coffee, celebrated engagements and officiated 9 weddings, encouraged us to care for our husbands and love our wives as Christ loves The Church, dedicated 22 grands and great grands, and guided us all through the various terrains of life’s journey pointing us always toward Christ.

He had an infectious laugh and hands that seemed to cradle us safely in a wild world. He was the gentleman who taught us the power and strength we possessed as women, taught us to walk in feminine confidence and grace, and cupped our faces in his hands as he declared our beauty and his love for us. He was the adventurer who lead boys bravely into battles with wooden shields and swords and men into war with the helmet of salvation and the sword of truth.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family on Friday, August 23, from 5:30-8:30 pm, and Saturday, August 24, from 10-11 am, at The Church at Liberty Square.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 11 am, August 24, 2024, at The Church at Liberty Square with Pastor Jentezen Franklin officiating. The Reverend K. Ray Looney leading music with family and friends. Entombment will immediately follow at Providence Cemetery officiated by Pastor Barry Garland.

Serving as pallbearers are Garrin Daniels, Mike Ezell, Josh Morris, Kirk Walden, Brad Penland, & Trey Smith

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Joe Daniels, Gabe Daniels, Reed Ezell, Houston Walden, Brock Morris, Sawyer Ezell, Lucas Penland, & Lincoln Ezell

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr., Cartersville, GA, is honored to serve Rev. Joe E. Edwards' family during this difficult time.