ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Donald Edwards, 64 years old, born on March 7, 1951, and passed away on October 10, 2015. We will remember her forever.

Tributes are short messages commemorating Donald, or an expression of support to her closest family and friends. Leave your first tribute here, and others will follow.

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November 3, 2015

Donald was my handsome nephew.  When I lived in Los Angeles, Ca., my sister Phyllis , niece Linda and myself would follow him whenever he was invited to entertain at a local club.  I remember how the girls would just go wild.  He was talented and devoted to his dream of becoming an entertainer.  The last conversation I had with him, he told me he would be moving to Fresno. He had started singing gospel music.   He was excited about singing gospel music, and gave all the praisefor how his life was turning around.  I believe God spoke to Donald in his final days and I am so thankful that he decided to walk with the lord.
Rest in peace nephew! I love you dearly!  

October 30, 2015

Gospel singer Donald Sylvester Edwards was born to Rosie Lee Fairley-Norman, and William Edwards Sr. on March 7, 1951 in Fresno, California. He was 64 years old when he passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, October 10, 2015 in the loving care of his sister Ruby and brother-in-law, David Rogers  

Preceding him in death: a sister, Tommie Norman, mother, Rosa Lee Fairly-Norman, Father, William Edwards Sr., Step-father, Henry Clay Norman Sr., brother, Henry Clay Norman Jr., Grandparents: Ruby Foley, and Roosevelt  & Celeste Fairly.

Donald spent much of his childhood in Fresno, Ca. He attended Carver Elementary School, Irwin Junior High School, and Edison High School.  At the age of 12-years-old he received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior.  He was baptized at Bethesda Apostolic Church in Fresno, California.

Donald loved to entertain using his golden voice to win the audience.  His gift was evident at an early age.  He realized that he had a special talent, but needed to develop a stage presence to support it.  This he did by promoting his talent with various local singing groups. He moved to Los Angeles, Ca. in 1973 to pursue his dream of becoming a major entertainer.  His artistic vocals caught the attention of many famous groups.  He soon became a member and lead singer of “The Bean Brothers”, “The Fifth Dimensions”, and “The Coasters”, — local favorites in the 70s, and was soon renamed “Donte.”  He presented his talent annually at the popular, “Taste of Soul” venue on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles, Ca. Donald magnified passionate and soulful R&B crooning for over thirty years.

A short time ago, Donald turned back to God and began singing the gospel music he always loved. Prior to Donald’s battle with cancer he was an enthusiastic member of the “Soul Vibers” gospel group of Los Angeles, Ca.  He recently moved back to Fresno to be near his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Noni Bluthenthal of San Bernardino, Ca., four sons: Tony, Dayleve, Donald Jr. and Samson Edwards of Fresno, Ca.,  a daughter-in-law, Carol Edwards, six grandchildren, Tonisha, Tia, Tara, and Tevin Edwards,  Leonni Mclaughin, and Lashanae Hicks, one great grandchild, Tanner, two sisters, Linda Edwards-Norman of Los Angeles, Ca., and Ruby Norman-Rogers and a brother-in-law, David Rogers of Fresno, Ca., a god-sister, Randy Jones-Thomas of San Jose, Ca., two sister-in-laws, Eleanor and Anita, one brother:  Bobby Ivory , Fresno, Ca., five aunts: Florence White, Rosemary Fairly, Belinda Cook and Joice Hilton of Fresno, California, and Thelma Rhem of San Bernardino, Ca., two Uncles, Virgil Fairly of Sacramento, Ca., and Robert Fairly of Fresno, Ca., and a host of relatives and friends.

As we reflect on the loss of our beloved Donald Sylvester Edwards, let us celebrate in praise to God for of his new life in Christ

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