ORDER OF SERVICE
Musical Prelude
Opening Sentences and Processional
Opening Hymn:
Great is Thy Faithfulness
1. Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father; There is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hast provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Prayer of Adoration and Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer (sung)
Tributes:
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.
• Dr. Ivor Edwards Brother read by Dr. Mark Edwards Brother
• The Hon. Dr. Lloyd Barnett, O.J. Colleague and friend
• Sir David Simmons, K. A. Friend (video presentation)
• Miss Gillian Burgess Colleague and friend
• The Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, O. N. Friend read by Mrs. Marcia Morgan Sister-in-Law
Musical Tribute: “My Way” - Miss Grace Smith
Memories of Dad: Drs. Gregory and Nicola Edwards
His Life in Pictures
Offertory Hymn: Fight the Good Fight With All Thy Might
Fight the good fight with all your might; Christ is your strength, and Christ is your right; Lay hold on life, and it shall be Your joy and crown eternally.
Run the straight race through God’s good grace; Lift up your eyes, and seek his face. Life with its way before us lies; Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.
Cast care aside; upon your Guide Lean, and his mercy will provide; Lean, and the trusting soul shall prove Christ is its life, and Christ its love.
Faint not, nor fear, his arms are near; He changes not, and you are dear; Only believe, and own it true That Christ is all in all to you.
(In aid of the Consie Walters Cancer Centre and the Hope United Church Live-streaming Fund.)
Cheques to be made payable to Cancer Care Centre or Hope United Church.
Scripture Readings:
• Psalm 46 Mrs. Athelene Hammond Cousin-in-Law
• Job 19: 23-27 Miss Lisa Morgan Niece
• 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58 Mrs Cherriline Lewis Secretary and friend
Musical Tribute: “I Believe for Every Drop of Rain that Falls” - Miss Grace Smith
Sermon
Prayer for the Family
Commendation
Benediction
Recessional Hymn: It Is Well With My Soul
1. When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Refrain: It is well with my soul; It is well, it is well with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control: That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed his own blood for my soul.
3. My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
4. O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend; Even so, it is well with my soul.
Hymn: I Come to the Garden Alone
1. I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
Refrain:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
2. He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing; And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.
3. I’d stay in the garden with Him Tho’ the night around me be falling; But He bids me go; thro’ the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
TRIBUTES
Adolph, It has been a wonderful 50 years. Until we meet again.
Adolph, you entered our lives not by chance, but as a blessing, bringing kindness, warmth, and unwavering support. My dear cousin-in-law, you have been one of those rare souls—someone whose presence has been a gift, whose heart is full of generosity, and whose actions have always spoken of love and sincerity.
From the very beginning, you welcomed me, making me feel not just like family, but truly valued and appreciated. Your kindness is not just in your words but in the countless ways you have shown care, understanding, and selflessness. Through the years, in both good times and challenging moments, you have been a source of strength and encouragement, always offering a heart full of compassion.
It is rare to find someone who gives so much without expecting anything in return, yet that is who you are—genuine, thoughtful, and endlessly kind. Your generosity was not measured in grand gestures but in the little things you do, the moments that leave a lasting impact and remind me how fortunate I am to have you as family.
Today, I just want to say thank you—for being the person you are, for all the love and kindness you have shown, and for making my life better simply by being in it. You are truly cherished, and I am grateful beyond words for you. RIP
Side Note: Always remember the little red car that you could not follow or keep up with.
When we reflect on the life of Uncle Adolph, it is with much admiration and respect. He was a true exemplar, showing us all what a life well-lived looked like. He was a hard worker, somehow managing to juggle his law practice and run a bus company with effortless ease, and doing it well, gaining recognition in his field.
In the midst of all of that busyness, he never lost sight of the importance of family, both immediate and extended, which he was completely devoted to, as he was to his friends. If we were ever in need, he was there, and he provided both his emotional support and his legal expertise freely and willingly. He was stoic in the face of his illness, never letting it prevent him from continuing to live and enjoy his life to the fullest.
Towards the end, it was Aunty Pegs, Gregory and Nicky who provided him with the care and support that comforted him on his final journey. This would not have gone unnoticed by Uncle Adolph. We are grateful to have had such a figurehead in our lives, and we will all miss him. Much love, Paulette, Lisa and Andrew.
Mrs. Athlene Hammond (Cousin-in-Law) Paulette and Lisa Morgan, Mr. Andrew Smith (Relatives)
Today as we say farewell to our beloved brother, we also want to thank God for his years of service to humanity. For his passion and determination to see justice meted out to all and compassion to the needy, sick, deprived and afflicted. May his soul rest in peace.
Mrs. Gladys Stringfellow (Cousin)
Dr. Edwards was our amazing attorney for 45 years. He was one of the most kindhearted attorneys Jamaica has ever produced. He treated us like family, not just a client. All of our encounters with him never ended without a smile. He was very dedicated, humble, extremely knowledgeable and went above and beyond to get things done for us. He worked with us in areas we had no knowledge of, teaching and enriching us to successfully achieve our goals.
Dr. Edwards will forever be in our hearts. We were very grateful to have known him. He will be deeply missed and remembered with love and gratitude.
Rudolph and Hyacinth Carby (Clients and friends)
Adolph Edwards was my friend and brother; I wish the world had more Adolphs, especially in these times. I inherited Adolph many years ago from my younger Montego Bay cousin, Byron, who was at Cornwall College with three Edwards brothers.
He describes Adolph as a brilliant scholar, quiet but popular and never in trouble. I have had personal experience of his sharp mind, reliability and trustworthiness as he solved my legal issues and those of my family and friends. We shared an interest in National Hero Marcus Garvey and I treasured his book on Garvey which he wrote as a student in England. Quite recently, I was intrigued by his research and article on the Obeah Laws of Jamaica. As usual he, was reluctant to receive high praise for its value in today’s attempt to correct historic wrongs.
Adolph Edwards was a decent, unassuming and unobtrusive Jamaican, rare qualities in today’s world. I must pay tribute to his wife Peggy whose quiet dignity and grace was so compatible with his personality as she supported him over the years. Rest in Peace Adolph, we will all miss you.
Elaine Melbourne (Friend)
My family and I have known Dr. Adolph Edwards for over 40 years. Over those many years, he has been nothing short of a gift from God. When in need, he would give the shirt off his back to anyone who asked, and just the same for those who didn’t think to ask. I remember the way he would encourage my children to do, and be, the very best in all that they did and how he never hesitated to make you smile.
He was dependable, equitable in all he did, and had a good heart. His journey is done now and should serve as an example to all who saw his ways, learning how to carry themselves the way he did. He carried himself the way one should, walking in Christ.
Rest in peace brother Adolph. The Browns: Annabelle, Bonitto, Racquel, Richard, and Kirk (Family friends)
Adolph Chamberlin Edwards will forever be remembered as a Jamaican legend in the area of law and nation building. To those of us who knew him well, and to whom he was very close, he will always be remembered for his charity, fantastic sense of humour, and his sharp intellectual capacity.
Dr. Edwards was always reliable, straightforward and precise in his ability to both analyse, diagnose and prescribe just as a medical practitioner would. There was no ailment that this erudite Jamaican could not prescribe a cure for. In addition to his sense of humour, Dr, Edwards was also his brother’s keeper and one of the outstanding examples of a man for all seasons.
He will be missed as long as the sun continues to shine and as long as men will appreciate the quality of their character.
Dr. Aggrey Irons on behalf of the Consie Walters Cancer Care Hospice
Decades before Caribbean legal academics started to produce law textbooks, and even before the establishment of legal education system we know today, Dr. Adolph Edwards, and a group of pioneering Caribbean lawyers wrote extraordinarily wide-ranging and fine PhDs on Caribbean law. This august group of Caribbean PhDs in law, completed as Caribbean territories approached independence or soon after new Caribbean states were established, included Dr. Lloyd Barnett, Dr. Edwin Watkins and Dr. Kenneth Rattray from Jamaica; Dr. Mohammed Shahabudeen, and Dr. Fenton Ramsohoye from Guyana; Dr. Richard Cheltenham from Barbados; and Dr. Nicholas Liverpool from Dominica.
Dr. Adolph Edwards’ 1968 PhD thesis, completed at London School of Economics and Political Sciences, ‘The Development of Criminal Law in Jamaica up to 1900’, demonstrated, that ‘West Indian law and legal history are worth studying in their own right’, to borrow from Sir Hugh Wooding and Sir Roy Marshall. In this sense, his groundbreaking research is a foundational contribution to legal decolonisation in the Caribbean. I have long admired his 1968 treatise and rely on it often to teach and guide me in my own research on the Caribbean’s enduring criminal laws.
Legal research can easily become dated and overtaken by new developments. However, Dr. Edwards’ nearly 60-year-old thesis remains an indispensable reference text for those interested in the history of criminal law in the English-speaking Caribbean and the need for modern criminal law reform. His conclusions and recommendations are as salient today as they were in 1968, when he argued that our criminal law ‘is in need of radical revision’ especially because ‘various doses of panic, emotionalism, expediency, convenience, ignorance and suspicion, have been compounded to give Jamaica the system of penal laws it now possesses.’ He called for an independent multidisciplinary body to be established with wide terms of reference to review existing criminal laws and prepare new legislation.
Despite his pivotal early contribution to Caribbean legal scholarship, Dr. Edwards walked humbly, with a spirit of generosity, and a characteristic equanimity left its mark on all nearby. Each conversation with him was blessing, even more cherished now that he is gone.
Professor Tracy Robinson (Colleague)
I am honored to be asked to give a tribute to a kind and faithful friend. I have known Adolph for over 60 years. He was always willing to go the extra mile to accommodate his friends. Words cannot express the grief and sadness in the hearts of his wife, family and friends at this time.
Flo Prestwidge (Friend)
The Cornwall College Old Boys Association (Kingston Chapter) pays homage to our esteemed and beloved member Dr. Adolph Edwards. His love and commitment to Cornwall was fervent and unwavering. His constancy and camaraderie were greatly appreciated and a source of inspiration and encouragement.
Hailing from Mandeville, Dr. Edwards was the son of the owners of the renowned (well-known) bus company, “Confidence”. He was sent to Cornwall College as a boarder in the first form. He distinguished himself during his time there, both as a scholar and an athlete, and in recognition of his achievements he was appointed captain of the school (head boy). A talented sprinter, he once held the school’s record for the 100-yard dash. He was a great debater, known for his calm and reassuring presence both during his school years and throughout his life.
In the tradition of Cornwall College Dr. Edwards embarked on a brilliant academic career at the London School of Economics and later the University of London, where he gained a PhD in law. His PhD thesis was cited as “a profound study of the development of the criminal law in Jamaica from the English Conquest.”
Dr. Edwards was a human rights advocate consistently from his early years, joining a legal team organised by the West Indian Standing Conference to assist imprisoned West Indians in the London area. Respected for his legal scholarship and expertise, he contributed significantly to the General Legal Council’s sub-committee working towards the establishment of a formal compulsory system of continuing legal education. A dedicated patriot and pan-Africanist, he made a valuable contribution to our knowledge of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, through his eloquent writing of a book on the life of the National Hero.
The Cornwall College school song evokes the transformation of boys to men of might. At the same time, it exhorts us to be inheritors of the Enlightenment, changing darkness into light. Those of us who encountered Dr Adolph Edwards’ personal warmth, his keen legal mind, his professional integrity, will have no doubt that he embodied this inheritance. A man of might now gone into the fullness of the Light.
John Graham on behalf of the Cornwall College Old Boys Association (Kingston Chapter)
Uncle Adolph, You worked hard and did so much for a long time for everyone that the family name is heard everywhere. We are grateful to have had the chance to be with you while you were here for as long as we could. You will be missed. We will remember you always.
Joseph Edwards (Nephew)
Dear Adolph,
I am using this opportunity to speak these last words to you somehow knowing that you are still smiling as you always did with a light that shone so brightly. Your spirit was always full of laughter and kindness and will forever echo in my heart.
The memories we shared were mainly about the legal issues surrounding the madness of Jamaica Public Service and the suffering it gave and still gives to the Hope Pastures community, yet strangely enough it became humorous at times because of your joyful spirit. Your research and involvement had a tremendous impact on the case and I promise you that we will continue our fight in that arena knowing that we have you beside us all the way. One of your greatest contributions was the detailed research and writing about The Jamaica Public Service in Hope Pastures. For this we are forever grateful and I promise I will complete this into the book we always spoke about.
Lord Anthony Gifford who has retired asked me to say how much he too appreciated your input and sends his condolences to your family.
For me I will carry your courage and unwavering resilience to keep serving even during your times of greatest adversity. Rest peacefully my friend knowing you gracefully touched the lives of everyone you met. You were indeed the best definition of a Quiet Giant.
One Luv
Dr. Jennifer Alexander (Friend)
I met Adolph many, many years ago, first in London as we were fellow members of a West Indian Group of students. Upon my return to Jamaica, after leaving a government post, I entered private practice. Adolph and I had offices in the same chambers for about 30 years. There are several stories that I could cite to show Adolph’s character; I will elaborate on two in the piece. We were in chambers together, when our senior colleagues had taken a trip to the African continent. As luck would have it, there was an earthquake. Adolph told me to get in between two filing cabinets for protection. He was by the window, where the glass broke and had to be replaced. His instinct was to make sure that I was okay even knowing that he could have been seriously hurt.
The second story has to do with my husband, Archie, who liked things done a certain way. It is testament to that fact that Archie requested that Adolph become his lawyer. Adolph had the ability to start something, see it through to the end and complete the task in such a way that no one could question the outcome. This ability won Archie over and he trusted Adolph completely. The sentiments of Adolph’s character were recently echoed by my niece Claire, who I recently tried consulting with on a legal matter. Claire insisted: “Go straight to Adolph…he will take care of it.” Not only did Adolph became Archie’s lawyer but Archie became Adolph’s doctor. The two families soon merged and what started off with purely professional encounters, soon blossomed into a beautiful friendship. His children became like our children who we joined at many family gatherings and celebrations. Adolph was particularly helpful and supportive when Archie passed. We made further plans to conduct business in January and then he floated away. I will miss him dearly.
Mrs. Angela Hudson-Phillips Q.C. (Colleague and friend)
I was senior to the Edwards boys at Cornwall College but I still treasure the memory of taking Maurice and Ivor, one under each arm, down to the playing field. Adolph was the youngest and fastest, a renowned hundred-yard sprinter. Later in life when I settled in Mandeville I would meet and compete with his dad, Mr. Willie Edwards.
Confidence and Treasure Girl bus companies were the largest in Manchester and were a catalyst for development in the central parishes, by transporting school children, farmers and workers in a young developing Jamaica. Adolph, a young budding lawyer was his father’s CONFIDENCE and right hand. In those days, the Transport Authority, headed by Judge Carberry, was structured to enable any prospective bus operator to vie and challenge the older established operators over routes available. An expensive, time-consuming, legal system with Adolph being one of the young shining stars, usually overcoming all opposition, including Treasure Girl’s.
It was a measure of the man and the Edwards family--- that despite these legal tussles we lived as a family of bus operators. Parts that were in short supply were readily swapped between the two companies, including our wrecking service, which operated at no cost to both. This camaraderie would blossom into a longstanding family and legal relationship with Adolph being retained to handle all our legal affairs. Retained, but just as with Maurice’s services NEVER A PENNY CHARGED! His illustrious career embodied politeness, humility, integrity, and sheer legal brilliance.
Rest in Peace Adolph, you will be sorely missed by the James Family. Tony James (Family friend)
TRIBUTE TO MY WONDERFUL
BOSS
It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute, as words cannot fully capture the deep sorrow I feel. Since 2005, you have been more than just a Boss to me; you have been a mentor, a confidante, and a true friend. Your genuine kindness and rare, beautiful soul touched my life and that of my family in ways I never imagined possible.
You were always there when I faced problems and offered your unwavering support whenever I needed help. Even as you battled illness, you never ceased to amaze me with your strength and selflessness. Your resilience and dedication were truly inspiring.
I will miss our chats, calls, and even our disagreements and fun moments, more than words can express. Your constant reassurance that you were okay, even when you didn’t want me to worry, was a testament to your incredible character.
Although you are no longer with us, I find comfort in knowing that you are now free from pain and suffering. You were, and always will be, a rare gem — a shining example of what it means to be a genuinely kind, compassionate, and caring person.
Rest in peace, my dear Boss. Your memory will forever live on in my heart. With love, deepest gratitude and heartfelt sorrow. In Memory of Our Friend and Brother in Spirit, Adolph Edwards
Mrs. Cherriline Lewis (Secretary and friend)
I first learned of Adolph through a friend. Then he was Judge Edwards to my mind. A man of great intellect based upon what that friend had to say, who knew him in a professional capacity. She was a scrabble enthusiast and it seemed to her that there was no word that he did not know. Not that he played scrabble at work mind you, but I deduced that she would query him on words from time to time and he never failed to provide the meaning of the word.
When I finally met Adolph through my wife Hugheana, he quickly gained my deep respect, for he was such a humble man, a decent human being who did not exude the airs that many of his stature in life might be tempted to display. He was easy going and had a dry sense of humour. I remember a conversation we had in the driveway of Peggy and Adolph’s home. We were discussing painting their home if I recall, and the topic of paint colours came up. Well, Adolph had a very particular opinion on certain shades and a colour was mentioned which he did not like. He said it would “hurt my eyes”. And he was mischievous.
On one occasion while waiting in the doctor’s office with his leg in a cast, a fellow patient in the room took objection to how he perceived Peggy to be treating him. It was clear to both of them that the man was not quite right in the head. However, Adolph chose to adopt the posture of a poor defenseless husband much aggrieved by his wife’s treatment but unable to do anything about it. Of course, this just added to the man’s indignation and criticism of Peggy. Mischievous fellow indeed. Over the years Hugheana always said that he was like the big brother she never had. On a number of our visits to Jamaica Adolph took us to Gloria’s, a favourite of his. Adolph flew off the day we flew in. I suppose he decided that he would see us at another time. We will miss him.
Hugheana and Ruel James (Friends)
I’ve cared for many patients over the years. Each of these patients has had a journey filled with challenges and adversities, facing them with grace and determination. Mr. Edwards knew he was facing a daunting and formidable enemy but he never betrayed any fear, anxiety, or trepidation in all the years I knew him. All my visits with him were very similar. They always began with his perennially cheerful disposition and uncanny sense of humor, his jokes about cricket or the US or Jamaica; then there was Mrs. Edwards gently reminding him about all the questions he had for me; and then we dissected all that lay before us - with his meticulous record keeping, his keen understanding of medical facts, and careful research of options, we charted out a way forward.
I had always known that there would come a time when options became limited. Unfortunately, that came too soon. But Mr. Edwards’ unwavering spirit, strength, resilience, and grace, even in the face of adversity, still remains etched in my memory, and likely that of everyone who knew him. That is truly what embodies the memory of a wonderful soul - serving as a beacon of hope and a source of optimism to everyone around; that inspiration never fades.
My deepest condolences to the family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers, and that as much as I will miss Mr. Edwards. I will always have a smile on my face when I remember him - fondly and with much admiration!
Sunil Krishnan, MD (Oncologist)
See the complete list of tributes: https://isu.pub/MzYzMzk
Additional tributes can be sent to: arleneedwards246@gmail.com
Acknowledgments
The family of the late Adolph
