Obituary of Theodore Edmunds

Theodore Edmunds was the third son born to McKinley and Waltha Thornton Edmunds, on February 2, 1931 (Ground Hog Day). Theodore was a humble and peaceful child who adored his two big brothers, McKinley and Walter. He did all that he could to keep up with their comings and goings; however, his mother had to rescue his brothers from him at times. Theodore begged his mother at the age of 11 years old, to allow him to stay the summers with his brothers who became employed at the Cape May Courthouse. This experience is one that he cherished for a lifetime. Theodore cherished his home church, Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Both of Theodore’s parents were active members of Mount Carmel Baptist Church. His mother sang on the Senior Adult Choir and his father was a Trustee and a Committee Man. Theodore and his 3 siblings (sister Waltha was born a few years after Theodore), attended church faithfully. Theodore accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the young age of 12 years old and shortly thereafter, was baptized by Reverend Hoggard. Theodore attended Sunday School, weekly and summer activities faithfully. Theodore began showing an interest in preaching to the neighborhood kids, along with his cousin, Claude Edmonds. Both cousins practiced preaching to one another on the steps of their homes, not knowing God was preparing them both to preach the Gospel. Upon graduation from West Philadelphia High School, Theodore enrolled into Cheyney University and University of Pennsylvania where he received his BA Degree (English). After graduation, Theodore became employed with Merck Sharpe and Dome Pharmaceutical Company as a salesman and a technical writer. Theodore retired with 30 years of service. Theodore was never ready to fully retire, so he became employed as a Personal Assistant to Judge Theodore McKee in the Philadelphia City Hall Courtroom. He absolutely loved this experience and working for Judge McKee. Theodore received and officially answered the calling from God and enrolled into Seminary. Theodore preached his trial sermon at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, and was licensed shortly thereafter. Theodore was an avid reader and he would be in his Study for hours, days, if you let him, reading and researching the Bible, articles and commentaries. He loved preparing sermons of such profound depth. Reverend Edmunds remained at Mount Carmel for the next 25 years, preaching, teaching, visiting the sick and shut in, facilitated hundreds and hundreds of funerals, (he was highly requested to complete homegoing services which was what he loved). Reverend Edmunds returned to Seminary, (Reformed Episcopal Seminary, Philadelphia, Pa.) where he graduated with a Masters of Divinity. Reverend Edmunds was called to Pastor the newly erected Grace Temple Baptist Church in Lawnside, New Jersey in 1986, where he was heartily welcomed by the congregation. At the time of his calling, Reverend Edmunds was engaged to the love of his life, Kathleen (Kathy) Randolph. Together they planned their new life. Pastor Edmunds was installed at Grace Temple Baptist Church as the 9th Pastor in grand style on July 8, 1986 by his Pastor, Reverend Albert F. Campbell, of Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Soon after, Pastor Edmunds and Kathleen were married by God’s grace at Grace Temple Baptist Church on October 11, 1986. This God bathed marriage consolidated the family with 2 beloved children, Erin and Mahlon. Pastor Edmunds retired from City Hall reluctantly, and he remained at Grace Temple until January, 2003. Pastor Edmunds had many triumphs while serving at Grace Temple, but his biggest blessing was saving souls and baptizing hundreds and hundreds. Pastor was also proud of the fact that he obeyed God’s directive and led the church to pay off the mortgage on the brand-new Grace Temple Baptist Church edifice, 18 years in advance. A Mortgage Burning Ceremony was held and a previous Pastor from Grace Temple Baptist Church performed the mortgage burning ceremony, (Reverend Howard Woodson, Jr. Shiloh Baptist Church, Trenton, NJ). Upon retirement, Pastor Edmunds became employed at Greater Philadelphia Health Action. He was so excited counseling and facilitating support groups with both men and women from the community. He became known as the beloved “Mr. Theodore” by staff and clients. After several years of employment, Pastor Edmunds finally decided to enjoy retirement. Pastor Edmunds lived a very full, happy, peaceful and productive life and recently celebrated his 90th Birthday with a big party. At the age of 90, he had no sicknesses, no pain, he just lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed and adored his wife Kathy, taking Sunday drives every weekend with his wife and daughter, Erin. He loved jumping in the back seat, with tons of snacks and enjoying listening to good conversation. He enjoyed going to the Jersey Shore every summer for the day. He enjoyed sitting in the car while his wife shopped, simply people watching, with his snacks, of course. He enjoyed when his son Mahlon would call and he always looked forward to seeing him. He enjoyed talking to his brother, Dr. Walter Edmunds, daily. He enjoyed his beautiful home and sensational meals cooked for him by his family, He enjoyed ironing Kathy’s clothes every morning and sending her off to work looking fabulous. He enjoyed mowing and manicuring his lawn (up to 5 years ago), He enjoyed Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, He enjoyed the magic kitchen counter where all kinds of taste tasting took place by him, and he also enjoyed his grandchildren immensely. He simply enjoyed his God given life! AMEN. Pastor Edmunds is predeceased by his sister, Waltha Webb, and his brother, McKinley Edmunds. Pastor Edmunds leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Kathleen (Kathy); brother: Dr. Walter Edmunds (Dr. Valida Walker); daughter, Erin Randolph-Shuler, (Ernest Jr.), grandchildren Ernest Shuler III, and Ermani Theodore Shuler; son, Mahlon Randolph, (Tiaowanda), grandchildren Gerald Denson and Taylor Denson; Mother in law, Bernease Miles, (Elnora Carter); brothers-in-law Kenneth Randolph, (YoungAe), Alverez Randolph, Ronald Randolph, Sterling Randolph, (Bridgett), Richard Randolph; and sisters-in-law Sharon Greene and Florence Edmunds; cousins and nephews Martha Everett, Martha Shippen, Loretta Lewis, Reverend Alfred Edmonds, (Marcella), Dr. Kimberly Wisdom (Reverend Garth Wisdom), Joy, Jan, John Jr. (Lisa), and a host of family and friends that loved him dearly and affectionately as cousin and uncle Teddy. You fought a good fight, you kept the faith, and laid up for you is a crown of righteousness. Rest in Peace. AMEN.