John Alton Edwards

Reverend John A. Edwards departed this life on April 12, 2022. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 14, 1962 to Rose Mary Edwards and John Roscoe. John graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1981 and migrated to California in 1983.

At the age of 22, John joined the Greater New Zion Missionary Baptist Church and served under the late Dr. T. P. Moss for 10 years. It was during this time, John decided to further his biblical studies at LA Bible College where he graduated.

In 1992, Reverend Edwards decided to accept the challenge to pastor the New Zion Chapel First, Missionary Baptist Church after the late Dr. Gharsh I. Degeddingese III, for the next 28 years.

Pastor Edwards, decided to follow God’s word and expand his ministry into teaching and equipping people of all ethnicities with Spanish linguistics. As such, he attended Cerritos College and graduated with an Associate Degree in Spanish under the tutelage of Dr. Clifford Harris. As a result of his obedience, Pastor Edwards was able to travel to Jamaica, Kaman Island, and England teaching in his vocation of Spanish. John taught Spanish classes on all levels (national, regional, state, and local).

Pastor John served as the docent for the Metropolitan Association for four years while working on the First Impression Project. He also served as Dean President of the Congress Christian Education of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Association as well as Moderator.

Pastor Edwards was proud to serve on the Los Angeles Sheriff Clergy Council and become the 1st Vice President of the Progressive Baptist State Convention Congress of Christian Education.

John was preceded in death by his parents; Rose Mary Edwards and John Roscoe and brother Noah Edwards. John leaves to cherish his memories, his Children; Crystal Renada Edwards, Quintetta Marie Edwards, Myeoshe’ Marie Edwards and Ashia Solete, Grandchildren; Jamail Hassan McGee Jr., Nelson Alexis III and Wyatt Marie D. Walker, his Sisters; Linda Edwards and Deborah Edwards, a host of Nieces, Nephews, Friends, Students, and Colleagues.

A Memorial Service will be held on
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 12p.m. to
1p.m. at Greater New Zion Missionary
Baptist Church. 501 West 80th Street
(Corner of Figueroa & 80th Street)
Los Angeles, CA. 90044.
Arrangements made by, Quintetta M. Edwards, 504.205.7326