Jennifer "Dee-Dee" Edwards transitioned from this life on Monday, May 10, 2021, peacefully in her sleep. She resided in Wakefield, Virginia where she built a strong legacy of love, laughter and service to her family, friends and members of her community.

Born on November 30, 1953, she is the second child and only daughter of the late Pearl V. Conner and the late James T. Judkins, Sr.

Jennifer graduated from Luther Porter Jackson High School in 1972.  Upon graduation, she attended Norfolk State University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education with a double minor in Physical Education Kinesiology and English Literature. She later obtained her Master's Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Virginia State. While in high school and college, Jennifer enjoyed playing for the Lady Cougars and Lady Spartans Basketball Team.

Jennifer dedicated her life to the field of education. She began her career as a student teacher with Sussex County Public Schools.  She later served as a GED Instructor for the State of Virginia and an Adjunct Professor of Special Education at Virginia State University.  After 38 years of employment, Jennifer retired from Southside Virginia Training Center where she faithfully served as Program Manager and Education Coordinator.

Jennifer accepted Christ early in her life and became a life-long member of Oak Grove Baptist Church where she served as the Vice-Chairman of the Trustee Board, a member of the Pastor's Aide Committee, and a Soprano in the Second Senior Choir which is now known as the Oak Grove Mass Choir. Additionally, she actively participated in many of the youth events at Oak Grove. Whenever she could be of any assistance to the church body she was always there and willing to serve.

On December 18, 1982, Jennifer married the love of her life, John W. Edwards, Jr, and from this union came two of her greatest gifts from God her beloved daughters, Jenae and Jherica Edwards.

In addition to her parents and other relatives, Jennifer was preceded in death by her only Godson, Andre "Pookie" Wilson, and two great-nephews SeDarius Eley and Dylas Eley.

She leaves fond memories to cherish to her husband John W. Edwards, Jr.; her two daughters Jenae Edward-Jones (Antonio) and Jherica Edwards; her four grandchildren Jaliyah Edwards-Brooks, Jason Jones, Jaelynn Edwards, and Jabari Jones; her brothers James T. Judkins, Jr. (Elizabeth) and Anthony Evans; her uncles Royal H. Conner, David Conner (Joyce Ann), Stanley (Jerlene), Percell Nichols; her four nieces and one nephew Pamela Jones (Wayne), Paula Motton (Rodney), Paulette Nowell (James), Patrick Judkins, and Patrice Eley (Darius); her great-nieces and nephews Cherrelle Jones, Chenelle Jones, Shabre Judkins, Shaela Motton, Sabien Motton, Jaden Nowell, Jaya Nowell, Safari Judkins, Sy'Mia Judkins, and Sedarian Eley; two God Daughters Karen Bailey-King (Marshall) and Arkeisha Brown and a host of cousins and friends including her childhood best friend, Judy Redman.

Jennifer was a loving mother, nanny, sister, aunt, and friend to all who affectionately knew and loved her.  Spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, and family members meant everything to Jennifer. From her former days in the Young Creator Social Club to her latter days with the Golden Girls, Jennifer cherished every moment that she spent with her friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed puzzles, crafting, reading, creating beautiful floral arrangements, and decorating for the holidays. She was a member of numerous social, community, and professional organizations.

Jennifer will be greatly missed by all, but her love, legacy and memories will live on in our hearts and minds forever.

Public Viewing will be 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Friday, May 14, 2021, at Peace Funeral Home.  The Family will receive friends at Oak Grove Baptist Church 38070 Rocky Hock Road, Wakefield Virginia from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 am Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Oak Grove Baptist Church 38070 Rocky Hock Road, Wakefield, Virginia, Rev. Leslie Holloway, Pastor.  Interment will follow at the Bailey Family Cemetery.

A Facebook live stream will be available here: https://www.facebook.com/OakGroveBaptistChurchWakefiedVA/

A YouTube live stream will be available here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCa8u_XXXkU9V4HIfMyWzRRA

****Please follow CDC and Virginia guidelines for Social Distancing and Facial Coverings****