Joseph Edwards

Joseph Lewis Edwards, Jr., Esq., passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024. Born on July 26, 1954, in New York City to his late parents, Joseph L. Edwards, Sr. and Emma Frances Theresa Baker Edwards.

Joe later moved to Raleigh, NC. The eldest of seven children, Joe demonstrated an engaging and spirited nature while attending St. Monica’s Elementary, Carnage Middle, and Ligon High School. He played the French horn in the marching band at Ligon. When schools were integrated, he transferred to Broughton High School, where he graduated. He attended North Carolina A&T State University to study music, also playing the French horn in the A&T Marching Band, now known as the Blue & Gold Marching Machine. Adventurous and fun-loving as a youth, Joe was an avid card player, a skilled pool player, and enjoyed the music and dance of the generation. After attending North Carolina A&T, Joe followed in the proud footsteps of his father and enlisted in the United States Navy.  His naval training led to an early career as an electronic technician and paved the way for a return to higher education. Joe graduated Cum Laude with his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1993, where he served on the Law Review and was Vice President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). 

Those who knew him may remember he also enjoyed playing chess, listening to talk radio, and sipping Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. Joe’s legal career spanned over 30 years, with a focus on employment and discrimination law. Joe was an accomplished attorney, legal advocate, trainer, teacher, writer, and litigator, receiving numerous accolades over the years. This included being recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, being named a “Stand-out Lawyer” by Thomson Reuters (2024), a” Go to Employment Attorney” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (2021), among many others. For the past 23 years, Joe worked at Prince Lobel Tye LLP, one of the premier law firms in Boston, eventually rising to Partner. His diligence, determination, and progressive achievement elicit a sense of collective pride. Known affectionately by his family as “Joey”, 

Joe is survived by his wife of 25 years, Saundra R. Edwards, Esq., along with his five children: Cole Edwards, Joseph Blake Edwards, Michael Edwards, Angela Edwards and Malaika Edwards. His legacy also extends to six grandchildren:  Ahnika Edwards Grimes, Ahnya Edwards-Grimes, Angelica Edwards Grimes, Jasmine Edwards, Adrian Edwards, and Jayden Smith Edwards. Joe also leaves behind his six siblings and their spouses:  Paul D. Edwards, Lorraine M. Mortis (Robert), David G. Edwards (Maribel), George E. Edwards, Beverly F. Edwards (Larry) and Theresa Edwards; and a host of nieces and nephews:  Fernando Edwards, Benjamin Edwards, Kayla Edwards, George Edwards, Vincent Edwards, Kevin Edwards, Olivia Edwards, Gabrielle Mortis, Jonathan Hayes, Brian Dunn; and his great niece, Carmen Dunn. Joe is also loved and remembered by countless friends, relatives and colleagues, and will be deeply missed by many.

Joe will be buried alongside his parents at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the skilled doctors and medical staff of Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society

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