Warren Bernard Edwards

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Warren Bernard Edwards was born May 15, 1954 to the late Charlie Warren and Catherine Morgan Edwards in Chapel Hill, NC and answered the call to enter his eternal home Sunday morning, May 3, 2026.

“Bernard”, as he was best known from childhood and “Son Eddards”, being nicknamed by his late cousin, Robert Laney, Jr. as an adult, was educated through the Chatham County School System, where he also served as a bus driver and graduated from Northwood High School in the class of 1972. After graduating high school, he joined the US Marine Corps and honorably served our Country until 1978. Upon discharge from the Marine Corps, he lived in Washington, D.C. for a while but decided to return home wherein his heart dwelled. He was united in marriage October 29, 1983 to Roxie E. Burnette.

After working seemingly unfulfilling miscellaneous jobs he accepted employment with the Town of Chapel Hill, Public Works Department - Construction Division, where he deveoped his construction and leadership skills, and retired in May, 2019 after 21 years of dedicated service.

He attended and joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church as a child, being baptized and later in his adult life accepted salvation and became a dedicated disciple of Christ fulfilling positive leadership roles in the Church, serving diligently until his health declined. He was ordained a Deacon April 10, 2005, was an organizing member of the Male Chorus, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent. He always found time to enjoy life and God’s beautiful nature by fishing, always looking forward to fishing trips to the coast with his Public Works buddies, spending time manicuring his yard and showing off his cooking skills preparing most of the meals in his household. He also was an avid Tar Heel Basketball and Football and Dallas Cowboys fan.

Bernard was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings, John “Rat” Morgan, Melvin Riggsbee, Sylvia Joanne Alston, Gilbert George and Danny Ray Edwards.

Cherishing his memories are his devoted wife, Roxie; sons and daughter, Kitojo Riggsbee (Christina), Schniqua Bennett, Yaquii Bennett (Tammy), Gregory Burnette and Wayne Burnette; fourteen grandchildren including special granddaughter, Nylah Brown; four great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Faye E. Alston, Eugene Edwards (Celeste), Janie Riggsbee and David Riggsbee; a host of nieces and nephews including two special nieces, Shernetta Edwards and Renee’ Flounory; sisters and brothers-in-law, Maryanne Edwards, Myriel Heath, special sister-in-law Linda Burnette, Curtis Jr. Burnett (Brenda) and James Burnett (Maggie); his spiritual mom, Mother Rosie Harrington and an extended family of cousins and friends.