Edson Norman Willis - Celebration

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Order of Service Processional Opening Remarks...........................................Pastor S. Robert Stewart Call to Worship Prayer Hymn of Praise............(Royal Telephone)......................Congregation Scripture Reading......(Psalm 90: 1-6 & 12)...........Julian Willis (son) Musical Selection........................................Wilhelmina Brown (sister) Tributes Angela Clarke (niece) Paul Morrison (co-worker) Basil and Roberto McCalla (friend) Joseph Matty (brother-in-law) Eulogy....................................................................Rosalee Willis (sister) Musical Selection.............................................................Wallie Sharpe Message.............................................................Pastor S. Robert Stewart Prayer of Thanksgiving Recessional


The Royal Telephone Central’s never “busy,” always on the line; You may hear from heaven almost any time; ’Tis a royal service, free for one and all; When you get in trouble, give this royal line a call. Refrain: Telephone to glory, oh, what joy divine! I can feel the current moving on the line, Built by God the Father for His loved and own, We may talk to Jesus through this royal telephone. There will be no charges, telephone is free, It was built for service, just for you and me; There will be no waiting on this royal line, Telephone to glory always answers just in time. Fail to get the answer, Satan’s crossed your wire, By some strong delusion, or some base desire; Take away obstructions, God is on the throne, And you’ll get your answer through this royal telephone. If your line is “grounded,” and connection true Has been lost with Jesus, tell you what to do: Prayer and faith and promise mend the broken wire, Till your soul is burning with the Pentecostal fire. Carnal combinations cannot get control Of this line to glory, anchored in the soul; Storm and trial cannot disconnect the line, Held in constant keeping by the Father’s hand divine.


Eulogy

“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heavens” Edson Norman Willis was born to Harold Willis and Christiana Knight on December 14, 1949. He began his education in the district of Paul Mountain, Jamaica, where he was a top-of-the-class student. Edson was very active in sports at school. He led his school’s cricket and football teams in competitions against neighboring schools. Edson had a desire to “protect and serve” and this he sought to do in service to his native Jamaica. As soon as he could, he enlisted in the Jamaica Special Constabulary Force and later served as a special guard at the office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica. Edson’s ambition was to be the best he could be in life. He was noted for doing the best at whatever task given to him. Before long, Edson climbed the ladder in his law enforcement career by moving on to the Jamaica Constabulary Force – the premier police force of the country. He served with great pride and dignity before migrating to the United States of America. Edson applied himself to whatever task he embarked on. His goal was always to become an expert in the field of choice. When he came to the United States, he became an entrepreneur, specializing in installing glass windows, glass doors, and screens. He serviced the tri-county area and was very dependable and loyal to his job. After working many years in the glass industry, he eventually decided to go back to school where he became an air-condition technician. In later years, he returned to his first love, law enforcement, helping to keep us safe by working as a guard on the Tri-Rail. This proved that serving to protect was his passion.


Edson was a family-oriented man, a loving husband, and a caring brother. He was a firm yet fun-loving father. His children, Julian, Justin, and Olivia were his pride and joy. When they were young, his sons could not wait for the family vacations during the summer. Saturday was a sing-along day when the family sang gospel songs to cassette tapes and records. After years of doing “guy stuff ” with his sons, Edson was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Olivia. She was the rose in his garden. He was a great father to Olivia with whom he spent quality time, taking her to tennis lessons and supporting and cheering her at soccer matches. Although Edson was a strict disciplinarian, he was also the silly, funny dad who knew how to have fun with his children. His Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are hard to forget. Anyone who has been around Edson knows he was a great cook! His cooking skills caused us to go back for more and we also took home servings for later. Edson loved gospel music which he joyfully sang in church numerous times. He sang in groups and served as an active member of the choir. No matter which church he attended, he was known for his singing. Edson also served as a Sunday School Teacher and was involved with the young people of the church. After all, he knew that Jesus is the best friend one can ever depend upon. When Edson was happy, his chuckle was contagious. I can almost hear him saying to us today…Celebrate! Edson’s memory will be kept alive by his wife Robertina Willis; children Julian, Justin, and Olivia; brothers Elston, Desmond, Neville, Seymour, Sidney, Melvin, Harry, Robert, and Henry; sisters Wilhelmina, Emily, Annie, Rosalee, Jeanie, Dorothy, and Jennifer; step-daughter Erolina Henry and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.


Memories


Memories


Memories of a brother Verona (Emily) Thomas

A positive spirit is like a sunny day, It sheds brightness over everything. It sweetens our circumstances and soothes the soul. I thank God for the gift He gave me… The gift of Edson as a brother. Whenever we met there was abundant laughter. I learned about myself through listening to him… He told many stories about the family. Thank you Edson! I will always think of you singing at the feet of Jesus.

Memories of Our Father My father was a God fearing man of structure with a strong love for music. He was a man of the law – a firm disciplinarian; he was a man of God - singing praises at church. His earthly body could not keep up with his ever increasing love of life, family, and most of all God. I know that God has prepared an angelic body for him. I can’t wait to see him again someday. I miss you dad!!! Julian Willis


Memories of Our Father It still does not feel real that my father, “The Great Edson Willis,” is no longer here in the physical. Looking at his pictures adds to the unbelief. My bond with my father is too deep to be understood by written words. I am Ed’s son; from my cheek bones to my swagger. I am him! I am truly missing my father. I love him and was proud to be his son. Both of us could talk sports all day and we both had a love for music. Gospel music was always number one...but we also loved that “classic, feel good, cool vibes, back yard barbecue, house party, reggae music.” My father was a cool dude. We could have people jamming to Fred Hammond or Beres Hammond. My father is the greatest of all-time, and no one can tell me different. I can still remember when he got a temporary second job when I was a little kid. I used to wake up at 2:00 a.m. to deliver newspapers with him, just so I could hang out with him. He put me to work but it was all worth it just to cruise around town early in the morning with him. My father taught me many valuable lessons. He is my hero; I look up to him more than any athlete, recording artist, or Hollywood star. No man can ever take my father’s place and I will represent him until the day I take my final breath. His legacy will continue in us, his children – Julian, Justin, and Olivia. Even in my father’s passing, I will still say that God is good. Rest in Peace to “The Great Edson Willis.” You are missed but you will never be forgotten. I Love you Dad and I will see you later.

Justin Willis


Pall Bearers Julian Willis Son Justin Willis Son Melvin Willis Brother Seymour Willis Brother Paul Morrison Friend Joseph Matty Brother-in-law

Interment

Bailey Memorial Gardens 7801 Bailey Road North Lauderdale, FL 33068

Repast

7153 West Oakland Park Blvd. Lauderhill, FL 33313 (In the plaza with Kings Buffet)


Acknowledgments To our many family members, friends, and well-wishers - the Willis family extends our sincere gratitude for your acts of kindness and kind expressions of love during this time of our bereavement while we experience the passing of our beloved Edson. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Professional Services Provided by Royal Funeral Home Service, Inc. 17475 NW 27th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33056 305-625-1728

Program Layout & Design Shawn Ferguson of Gracious Grafx Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 954-515-9016

Printing

Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org 305-651-9696


Celebrate

By Charmaine E. Gooden Monteith Celebrate life Celebrate love Celebrate happiness Celebrate with your friends Celebrate with family Celebrate with everyone Celebrate you Celebrate me Celebrate Jesus Celebrate! Celebrate! Celebrate!


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