Centenarian Anthony Edwards celebrated for legacy of service and faith

Now a centenarian, Anthony Edwards embodies a life of unwavering dedication and purpose. Guided by resilience, deep faith, and a profound love for others, he has shaped his path as a civil servant, evangelist, pastor, husband, and caregiver — leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encounters.

Last Christmas, to commemorate his journey, he was presented with a special treat consisting of a care package and supermarket vouchers from Malta, in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens.

In 1942, at age 18, Edwards graduated from Calabar High School and embarked on a career in the civil service, joining the Collector General’s Department. Reflecting on his tenure as a civil servant, he highlighted the discipline and commitment that shaped his early years.

“I was there for several years,” Edwards recalled. “I passed the exam to enter the social service, starting as a third-class clerk. Shortly after, I was promoted to an excise office, and eventually transferred to the Income Tax Department in Kingston.”

Despite his many years in the civil service, it was Edwards’ spiritual journey that came to define his later life.

He embraced his calling to ministry in his early 20s, walking the path paved by his father, a devoted Baptist pastor.

“Funnily, in my early 20s, I remember being an evangelist,” he recalled. “I did quite a lot of preaching as an evangelist all over the island.”

By 1951, Edwards transitioned to pastoral work with the Jamaica Baptist Union, serving for eight and a half years. In 1952, he met and married his first wife, a fellow civil servant. Their union lasted 49 years, until her passing in 2001 due to kidney complications.

Even after the loss of his wife, Edwards faith remained steadfast. He travelled the world, visiting several countries across different continents, where he spread the gospel at various churches.

While he enjoyed his pastoral responsibilities, speaking highly of his congregations, his calling was not without challenges.

He faced financial difficulties as he had no formal ministry training and received no fixed salary, relying solely on a travel allowance. Despite this, he stood firm, choosing to rely on his government salary. His late wife’s unwavering support and cooperation were invaluable during this period, helping him navigate the challenges.

“I don’t know how we survived, but we did,” he reminisced.

Over a decade later, in 2012, Edwards married his second wife, Fern Anderson, despite previously claiming he had no interest in another marriage. However, fate had other plans for him. Anderson was usually picked up and dropped off at church by her son. On one occasion, after her son dropped her off, he failed to return. Edwards, known for his hospitality and care for others, offered to take her home. This simple act of kindness marked the beginning of a bond, and soon Edwards became her regular driver, taking her to and from church. Ultimately, it was their connection through church activities that helped their relationship blossom, with God as their foundation.

Now, at 100 years old and more than a decade into his marriage, Edwards continues to embrace his roles as both husband and caregiver. Recently, he cared for Fern after she underwent surgery, and he frequently assists her in looking after their grandchildren during their visits to the couple’s home.

Edwards shares that the greatest lesson he has learnt is to trust what he calls his “inner voice”, which he believes to be divine guidance. He reflects on this wisdom and his life experiences in his first book, Life: What a Journey, with his wife serving as its editor.

Edwards retired from being a pastor in January 1989 at the age of 65, yet his dedication to his faith, values, and love for service remains unwavering.

He continues to host online worship meetings with his wife, and actively participates in prayer meetings every morning.

At 100 years old, Edwards shares his wisdom by reflecting on the core principles that have guided his life. He even hints at the possibility of writing another book, Life: The Journey Continues, to build on the lessons and experiences chronicled in his first memoir.