Jermaine Franklin Edwards

Jermaine Franklin Edwards, affectionately known as, “J,” “Jermajesty” and “Ruby X,” was born to Marstiner Edwards and Casper Billings (deceased) on September 27, 1971.

During Jermaine's childhood he attended church in Asbury Park, Neptune and Long Branch, New Jersey. He later followed the teachings of the Nation of Islam. Jermaine attended Neptune Township, Long Branch and Asbury Public Schools in New Jersey, where he played "Biddy" and varsity basketball.

Jermaine began his employment career at an early age at a neighborhood sub shop and KFC in New Jersey. He also worked with his Uncle Sylvester throughout greater New Jersey. Jermaine was later gainfully employed at Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital, Marlboro, New Jersey, as a Human Resources Assistant for several years. During his employment there, he was trained as a Blood Phlebotomist. Years later, Jermaine relocated to Sterling, Virginia, where he was trained by his Uncle Dudley and Francel while working with Rayco Roofing/Commercial Roofing in Manassas, Virginia. Thereafter, he reconnected with his career in the Mental Health field and was employed as a Behavior Health Technician at Dominion Hospital and was later promoted to a Residential Counselor for adults at Dominion Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia.

After his mental health employment, Jermaine was reconnected with his commercial/residential roofing and started J and D Construction with his Uncle Dudley. Jermaine worked with several other commercial companies including Culbertson Roofing and sub-contracted with Verizon Roofing under Greg Bailey. He later started his own construction company, Wright Constructions. Jermaine's final Earthly employment was as an independent owner of Jersey Boy Trucking, LLC, Virginia. Jermaine was an expert driver and as a result was able to see most of the states in our United States. He said his greatest trip was when he transported a helicopter to the Warner Brothers Movie Studio in California. Jermaine's trucking career began with his youngest sister Macobia training him, and he later trained his nephew, Spencer. He also was contracted through JRC Transportation as an owner/operator at the time of his illness.

Jermaine loved his family and people in general. He had a good heart. He graciously helped many. He was a private person, but would let you know what be thought. Jermaine had a way with words; he often said in conversation, "No response is the best response," and "Let me tell my story ... you don't know my story."

Jermaine was also a gifted artist, self-taught barber, residential renovator/designer, antique car restorer, jewelry connoisseur and was meticulous about his work. He even taught his nephew, George, his barbering expertise.

On Sunday evening, October 27, 2019, God called Jermaine home to rest, after a brief illness.

Jermaine leaves in love and memory, his mother, Marstiner H. Jackson (Maryland, Alabama); maternal grandmother, Louise Mitchell; ex-wives, Rosalind Alexander Edwards and Reneé K. Williams; two sons, Jaremy Savage Edwards and Jewels Jermaine Edwards, Texas; two stepchildren, Ryisha Conway (Brandon), Maryland, and Rashad Alexander, Texas; three biological sisters, Ladi Hornsby (Weeshon), Delaware, Macobia (Jeffrey), Texas, and Letitia Dortch, South Carolina; a stepsister, Saleema Carroll, New York; a foster sister, April Harbison, Pennsylvania; two biological brothers, Vincent Edwards (Jackie), Missouri, and Terrence Edwards (Dovica), Mississippi; seven grandchildren, Kaleb, Kane, Kristina. Kinley, Elijah, Samara and Saniya; two special nieces, Makayla and Nature; two special nephews, Jaylon and Born; six uncles, Dudley Billings (Darlene), Francel Billings (Mona), Arthur Billings (Pam), and Kevin Billings, all of Virginia, Greg Billings (Joanne) of Pennsylvania, and James Abrams, Alabama and Alphonso, New Jersey; three aunts, Lucille Ferguson, New Jersey, Joann Edwards and Gloria Hancock, Alabama; a Godmother, Mennie Prince, New Jersey; one special friend/brother in recovery, Jody Jackson, Maryland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family expresses sincere thanks to Virginia Hospital Center, Kaiser Permanente in Virginia, Baylor Medical Center in Texas, and Washington Hospital Center in Washington, District of Columbia. 

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