Biography: Milton “Tony” Edwards was born January 12, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio to the union of the late John Warren and Etta Mae Edwards (nee Grant). He was the eighth of twelve children.
Tony attended both East Technical and John Hay High Schools in the Cleveland Public School system. He was very active within the student body enjoying the drama club, bowling, choir, and performing as a drum major in the school band. He was a very busy young man and graduated in the class of 1955.
Tony was a very well-rounded individual who possessed many skills professionally. He was an accomplished singer/dancer/and choreographer as a performer in off-Broadway shows and amazed everyone with his powerful voice that emanated from such a compact frame. Truly a blessing from God! Tony took great pride in working in a cleaning service and he also worked as a cosmetologist for many years.
Tony loved the Lord. He accepted Christ into his life at an early age always speaking highly of his fellow church members. Tony made it well known that he loved New York City moving there as a teenager. He was an active member of Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem and as a choir member, his melodious voice rang throughout its rafters as he sang for the Lord. He enjoyed traveling back to Cleveland and would often sing as a guest at New Zion Church of God Holiness and Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Tony loved taking long walks through the neighborhood often stopping to have conversations with friends (and sometimes strangers) along the way. One thing that could be said about Tony is that he had a beautiful and loving spirit and was very generous with his personal time.
Tony was a loving son, brother, uncle, and beloved companion to a host of friends. Tony leaves to cherish his memory his siblings: Leland C. Edwards (Hollie), Evelyn J. Parker, and Jeanette I. Lively (Eugene). Siblings preceding him in death were Perry Edwards, Bernice Henderson, John W. Edwards, Harold E. Edwards, Alice M. Edwards, Dorothy M. Winston, Ida L. Young, and Gladys J. Adams. He will be sorely missed and forever loved.