Mr. James Thelbert Edwards Sr., age 67, a resident of 456 Moores Beach Road, Chocowinity, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at his home.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington, officiated by Evangelist Chris Dallas. Burial will follow in the Edwards family cemetery on Moores Beach Road. Donald Miller, Michael Alligood, Jesse Edwards, Kenneth Edwards, Eddie Edwards and Merritt West will serve as pallbearers.

Mr. Edwards was born in Pitt County on March 24, 1944, son of the late Thelbert Bell Edwards and the late Alice Elizabeth Mae Edwards. He attended Beaufort County Schools and continued his education at Beaufort County Community College. On May 25, 1965, he married the former Laura Frances Alligood who survives. Mr. Edwards was a designer for Singer Furniture Co. and retired in 1998. He was a member of Freedom Baptist Church of Simpson.

Surviving along with Mr. Edwards’ wife Laura, of the home, are six daughters: Marie Sparks and husband Randy of Vanceboro, Lynn McKeel and husband Donald of Grantsboro, Lisa Briley and husband Russell of Bethel, Michelle Alligood of the home, Amanda Alligood of Washington and Ashley Alligood of Washington; three sons, James T. “J.T.” Edwards Jr. and wife Christy of Vanceboro, Michael Alligood and wife Melinda of Aulander, and Donald Miller and wife Frances of Chocowinity; three sisters, Ann Edwards and Claudia Wallace, both of Washington, and Pat Faulk of Sanford; nine brothers, Earl Edwards of Grimesland, Eddie Edwards of Chocowinity, Bobby Edwards of Chocowinity, Johnny Edwards of Washington, Jesse Edwards of Chocowinity, Steve Hartley of Vanceboro, Karl Hartley of Chocowinity, Jay West of Vanceboro and Merritt West of Washington and 11 grandchildren. Mr. Edwards was preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher Lynn Edwards; a sister, Clarice Sullivan; and two brothers, Randell Edwards and Darrell Edwards.

The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. tonight at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington and other times at the home located at 456 Moores Beach Road, Chocowinity.

Condolences may be offered by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Edwards family.