Joseph Lee “De De” Edwards Sr., 88, of Smithfield passed away on Nov. 30, 2018, with his family by his side.  He was the son of the late Albert Curtis Edwards and Ada Mae Nelms Edwards.  De De is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carolyn Virginia Seward Edwards; daughter Karen E. Wills (Gess); sons, Joseph Lee Edwards Jr. (Susie) and Mark Anthony Edwards (Lina); grandchildren, Brooke, Burgess, Brent, Carly, Tyler and Will; and great-grandchildren, Ainsley, Mathew and Joe. De De retired from Smithfield Packing as a plant manager with 48 years of service to the company.  He was a member of Central Hill Baptist Church, where he had served as a Deacon and long-time trustee, and was a member of the Isle of Wight Ruritan Club and the Smithfield Masonic Lodge #18.  

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield with burial to follow in Central Hill cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 3 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers the family suggest considering donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.