Rev. Dr. Calvin C. Edmonds, Sr.

Rev. Dr. Calvin C. Edmonds, B.A., M. DIV., D. MIN.

A native of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Reverend Dr. Calvin C. Edmonds, Sr. was born on April 9, 1942. He was the youngest of three boys born to the late Bookie Edmonds and the late Thelma (Owens) Edmonds. He departed his heavenly body surrounded by his love ones on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Finding his faith early at Jones Memorial Baptist Church, Reverend Edmonds was baptized by Reverend Dr. D. Dikes. Reverend Edmonds was an involved member of the church family from a young age, serving faithfully in the youth fellowship ministry and as a youth usher.

Reverend Edmonds possesses an extensive academic foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University 1964, followed by a Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia1988. Furthering his theological expertise, he received a Doctor of Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1994.

Reverend Edmonds began his journey in the ministry at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was first ordained as a Deacon in 1983 under the leadership of

Reverend Walter W. Piper, Jr. Recognizing his call to the pulpit Reverend Edmonds was licensed to preach the gospel in 1986 and was later ordained in the ministry in 1988 under the leadership of Reverend Myron D. Barnes. During his tenure at Macedonia, he served as the Associate Minister of Preaching and Teaching; additionally, as the Director of Christian Education, he was responsible for overseeing the spiritual growth and instructional programs of the congregation. Throughout his time there, Macedonia proved to be the fertile ground necessary for his flourishing career in the Gospel Ministry.

In his secular career, Dr. Edmonds dedicated many years to public service, holding various leadership and administrative roles within the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. His tenure in these departments was marked by a commitment to enhancing the well-being and educational opportunities of the citizens of the Commonwealth. Dr. Edmonds retired in 1998.

In 1996, the Lord led Dr. Edmonds to Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He served faithfully as pastor until his retirement in 2012, at which point the congregation honored him with the title of Pastor Emeritus. During his tenure, he achieved the distinction of being the longest-serving pastor in the church’s 138-years. Beyond the pulpit, he was a dedicated community leader, working closely with the Altoona Ministerium to drive positive changes throughout the city.

In addition to his pastoral work, Dr. Edmonds served as a Chaplain for Harrisburg Hospital and multiple prison systems. His academic contributions include teaching as an Adjunct Professor and instructor in Christian Education to Southern Baptist, and Seminaries at Virginia Union and Penn State. His leadership extends to several organizations; he is a past moderator of the Central Baptist Association, ABCOPAD and a member of the International Ministers Conference’s financial team. Dedicated to service and brotherhood, he is lifetime member of the NAACP, Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi Bouie.

Beyond his in the secular and ministerial work, Dr. Edmonds served with distinction in the U.S. Army, Air Force Reserve and the Army National Guard. His military excellence was officially recognized in 1972 when, as a Staff Sergeant in the 911th Tactical Airlift Group, he became the first recipient of the Pennsylvania Air Force Association’s Western Region Award for being an Outstanding Aeromedical Airman.

In his leisure time, Dr. Edmonds was a licensed pilot who shared a passion for aviation with his family. He took great joy in taking to the skies, often flying his loved ones to explore various cities across the country.

Together with his wife, Verna, Dr. Edmonds found great joy in traveling extensively across North America, Africa, Asia Minor, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. These global journeys were often rooted in his deep commitment to mission work, where he dedicated himself to serving and working with God’s people around the world.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Edmonds was preceded in death by his brothers, Stanley Montgomery and Robert Cecil Edmonds.

Dr. Edmonds leaves to cherish precious memories, his lovely wife Verna J. Stevenson Edmonds and sons James S. Ligons, Jr. and Calvin Christopher Edmonds, Jr., god-daughters, Commander Robyn V. White (Jason), Chaunda Dourado (Damian) , Cassandra Hunter, Ikia Guider-Clowe and his brother in love, Charles E. Stevenson and sister in love, Debra F. Cooper (Rev. Dr. Andrew R. Cooper) and , six nieces Ponchita Calloway (Mark); Tiffany Stevenson, Tai Stevenson, Doreen, Monica (Willie) and Heather Edmonds; four nephews Stanley Edmonds (Rochelle), Mark Edmonds (Cheryl Gallucci) Wendell Edmonds ( Pamela), Robert Edmonds; ten great nephews and four great nieces; two Aunts - Constance Clisby and Marie Coleman; uncle Joseph Boxley (Margaret); and church family and a host of cousins and friends. His Caregivers Manetta Harris and Lester Gray, and Hospice of Central PA.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.