Our community lost one of its great forces on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The Reverend Dr. Roland Erick Edwards, age 91, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.  He was a man who embodied perseverance, and was identified by his life of service.  His greatest known journeys were immigrating to the United States from the Republic of Panama, and the never-ending pursuit of theological leadership.

Dr. Edwards was born in Colón, Republic of Panama to his late mother Theodora Duhaney, and his late father, Sylvester Edwards.  As a child, he attended St. Joseph Catholic School, and received his sacraments at St. Joseph Parish. He went on to develop his craft in woodworking at Abel Bravo College in 1957.  His love for knowledge and aspiration to travel the world brought him to America in 1961, but not before meeting and marrying the true love of his life, Dorothy Simpson.

As his appetite for knowledge grew, he pursued more education.  He immediately enrolled in evening school, and received a certification from Brooklyn Technical High School. Roland Edwards was an impeccable observer and continuous learner.  As he took a break from his studies to focus on being a husband and father to four children in Brooklyn, New York, he was still learning from those around him as he mastered his skills in carpentry.  He used what he had learned to pursue his home of over fifty years in Crown Heights.

And as one would assume, the hiatus from formal education was not very long.  Dr. Edwards continued to further his knowledge by enrolling at City College of New York to study Education while simultaneously pursuing Practitioner and Ministerial Studies at the First Church of Religious Science in Education, and became a licensed practitioner in 1981. By 1986, he became a licensed minister, and in 1987, he was ordained by The Church and Center of Integral Living.

For many decades afterward, Dr. Edwards continued to dedicate his life to service.  He became a founder and director of Christ Consciousness Centers, worked for twenty-six years in the New York City Board of Education, and traveled to lecture on metaphysics, biblical and spiritual teachings.  Meanwhile, he advanced his education at the University of Healing, earning a Doctorate of Philosophy in 2000.  He then published his books, entitled “Who Do You Say I Am? A Guide of Self-Discovery and Immortality” and “There’s Always Enough.” Dr. Edwards wrote articles in publications such as New Thought magazine, and distributed his own newsletter titled, “Balance.”

From 1991 to 2000, he earned numerous awards, including one from the Jackie Robinson Center for Physical Culture honoring his support for youth, recognition for transforming education over twenty-six years, and many others for his lifelong dedication to service.  Fulfilling his 1957 dreams of travel, Dr. Edwards explored the world widely, with his journeys taking him through countries like Canada, Japan, and across various islands.

Over the decades, his family blossomed from four children to nine grandchildren, and eventually to a new generation of great-grandchildren. Among his many acquired skills, Dr. Edwards was an entrepreneur, investing in various businesses throughout his life. His most significant investments weren’t in industry, community members, or children he mentored along the way -- Dr. Edwards’ greatest legacy will live on through his family.  

 He was a loving husband to this beloved wife of sixty-five years, Dorothy Edwards.  He was a dedicated father to Theodora Maria, Roland, Jr., Raymond and Rodney.  He was a compassionate father-in-law to Gladis, Stephanie, and Almaz.  He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Willeum, Danielle, Selena, Brien, Ajoi, Leiana, Carter, Tyler and Noelle. He was an equally proud great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren: Ariana, Brooklyn, Noah, Shiloh, Brysen, Auckland and Myles. He was the dependable brother of Nadia E. Gray.  He was a respected uncle of Juan, Cecilia, Alberto, King, Aidan and Verushka.

Dr. Edwards was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Hortensia Charles; and his son-in-law, George Gregory.  He leaves behind cherished cousins, other family members, godchildren, friends, and neighbors.

Throughout his life, he became a pillar of the community where his memory will be kept alive through the words he wrote, the lessons he taught, and the many lives he touched.  He will truly be missed.