Alvin Edwards

Alvin Edwards, the son of Arthur and Irene Edwards, was born October 30, 1955. Alvin was raised on the south side of Chicago and attended Phillips High School where he learned to work well with his hands. He moved on from Phillips to pursue working full time at Church Hill Cabinets, a manufacturing facility, where he finished woodwork for six years. He was later laid off for a week, but found work at R.R. Donnelley's after being referred by his Uncle Rabbi a.k.a. Nathaniel Edwards. He worked for 10 years at R.R. Donnelly's making 'great money' (as he has stated, smiling and shaking his head). Alvin never considered himself a handy man, "but money that good, comes in handy man!" He has joked that he made enough money at R.R. Donnelly to support three families. Alvin viewed life with a great sense of humor and has always been recognized as one of the better comedians of the Edwards family (which will likely be debated by Ace at the repast). Alvin met Earlene Latimore as the 70's ended and the last live episodes of Good Times aired. They were later married in 1982. Their union lasted a little over ten years, during which they brought forth two children before they divorced. After some time had passed, The Wonder Years, Alvin reunited with a high school classmate, Patricia Johnson; this relationship produced one child. Alvin loved the simple things in life, which is what made him universally electric to everyone that knew him. He often enjoyed playing cards at family gatherings or taking walks on the lake front where he listened to the bongo drums. To him, the sun rising in the window made a joyful noise to his spirit. He was an advocate of celebrities by any means necessary. He loved family and friends with passion and unwavering loyalty. Alvin courageously attempted to fight Father TIme for several years now. He has needed a heart for years and a kidney for a significant time period as well. Unfortunately, his overall health would not allow for those types of transplant operations. Form him developing gout several years ago, to a bacterial infection in his blood just days ago - his ultimate undoing - he maintained a steadfast vision of what he believed his quality of life should look like. Unfortunately for us, he courageously accepted and verbalized his tribute. On the afternoon of May 10, 2015, Alvin accepted with clarity and a sound mind that his life with us had come to an end. Alvin was preceded in death by three sisters, Barbara, Yvonne and Ramona, and one brother, Larry who was his "J.J. To Michael." Alvin has passed his baton to many loving family members to enhance a rich history of the Edwards', his children, Dominique Edwards, Tracey Edwards and Thomas Edwards; step children, Deonte Johnson, Tony Johnson and Tiffany Conway; two brothers, Robert and Theodis; two aunts, Christine and Betty; one uncle, Nathaniel (Rabbi); countless nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and friends. Be comforted that he did it his way, he encourages you to do the same...

Tributes

Alvin Edwards

October 20, 1955 - May 10, 2015