Obituary

Joseph “Joey” A. Edwards, 59, of Chester, VA, entered his next chapter of life on April 16, 2022. Born to the parents of Tony A. and Betty S. Edwards on August 18, 1962, he lived in Norfolk, VA, until about the age 4, then the family moved to Hopewell, VA. Joey spent most of his young life growing up in Hopewell where he graduated from Hopewell High School 1980. He would then marry the love of his life, Debbie, in 2005.

Joey was incredibly successful in his careers at Petersburg Ford, Strosnider Chevrolet and Affinity Events. In his spare time, Joe produced numerous outdoor events, specifically outdoor concert series at Rivers Bend, Innsbrook and Brown’s Island, along with a Bayou and Blues Festival at the VA State Fairgrounds. Most recently he successfully developed a furniture restoration business, Estate of Mind Furniture Creations. His absolute greatest accomplishment, and the one of which he was the proudest of, is his daughter, his “bestie”, Grace Nichole Edwards, who he and Debbie raised together. In addition to Grace, he was a father figure to Josh and Brandon Sutton for over 16 years, father-in-law to Jamie Sutton and Papa Joe to Lilli and Caleb Sutton. Without sisters of his own, he claimed his sisters-in-law Dora Roberston and Bridget Posner as his own and loved them dearly.

He loved and adored his mother-in-law, Betty Robertson who kept him well fed, especially with the amazing soup that he loved so much. He enjoyed her company and conversation the most.

Joe always looked forward to spending time with his brothers, Allen, and David Stanley along with their extended families. Joe loved the beach and spent some childhood years growing up on the beach of the Chesapeake Bay. He and Debbie spent numerous weekends in VA Beach. In more recent years he spent several vacations at St. Pete Beach, FL and in 2021 his favorite destination was to Niagara Falls which he had never visited before and had become his favorite vacation destination.

Most would agree that Joe never met a stranger. If you met him, you would understand why. Affectionately known as “Joey” to those who knew him best and those from Hopewell, VA, where he leaves behind a host of dear, close friends who he loved so much, a few of which he considered to be family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his name to The Chesapeake Bay Foundation.