Now a centenarian, Anthony Edwards embodies a life of unwavering dedication and purpose. Guided by resilience, deep faith, and a profound love for others, he has shaped his path as a civil servant, evangelist, pastor, husband, and caregiver—leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encounters.

Last Christmas, to commemorate his journey, he was presented with a special treat consisting of a care package and supermarket vouchers from Malta, in collaboration with the National Council for Senior
Citizens (NCSC).

In 1942, at the tender age of 18, Anthony graduated from Calabar High School and embarked on a career in civil service, joining the Collector General’s Department. Reflecting on his tenure as a civil servant, Anthony highlighted the discipline and commitment that shaped his early years. “I was there for several years,” Anthony recollected. “I passed the exam to enter the social service, starting as a third-class clerk. Shortly after, I was promoted to an excise office, and eventually transferred to the Tax Income Department in Kingston.”

Despite his many years in civil service, it was Anthony’s spiritual journey that came to define his
later life. Anthony embraced his calling to ministry in his early twenties, walking the path paved by his
father, a devoted Baptist pastor. “Funnily, in my early twenties, I remember being an evangelist,”
he recalled. “I did quite a lot of preaching as an evangelist all over the island.”

By 1951, Anthony transitioned to pastoral work with the Jamaica Baptist Union, serving for eight and a half years. In 1952, he met and married his first wife, a fellow civil servant. Their union lasted 49 years, until her passing in 2001 due to kidney complications.

Even after the loss of his wife in 2001, Anthony’s faith remained steadfast, never wavering. He travelled the world, visiting several countries across different continents, where he spread the gospel at different churches.

While he enjoyed his pastoral responsibilities, speaking highly of his congregation, his calling was not without challenges.

He faced financial difficulties, as he had no formal ministry training and received no fixed salary, relying solely on a travel allowance. Despite this, he remained steadfast, choosing to rely on his government salary. His late wife’s unwavering support and cooperation were invaluable during this period, helping him navigate these challenges. “I don’t know how we survived but we did,” Anthony stated as he reminisced.

Over a decade later, in 2012, Anthony married his second wife, Fern Anderson, despite previously claiming he had no interest in marriage. However, fate had other plans for him. Fern was usually picked up and dropped off at church by her son. On one occasion, after her son dropped her off, he failed to return. Anthony, known for his hospitality and care for others, offered to take Fern home. This simple act of kindness marked the beginning of a bond, and soon, Anthony became her regular driver, taking her to and from church. Ultimately, it was their connection through church activities that helped their relationship blossom with God as their foundation.

Now, at 100 years old and more than a decade into his marriage, Anthony continues to embrace his roles as both husband and caregiver. Recently, he cared for Fern following her surgery, and he frequently assisted her in looking after their grandchildren during their visits to the couple’s home.

Anthony shares that the greatest lesson he has learned is to trust what he calls his ‘inner voice,’ which he believes to be divine guidance. He reflects on this wisdom and his life experiences in his first book, Life: What a Journey, with Fern serving as its editor. Anthony Edwards retired from being a pastor in January 1989 at the age of 65, yet his dedication to his faith, values, and love for service remains unwavering.

He continues to host online worship meetings, with his wife, Fern, and actively participates in prayer meetings every morning. At 100 years old, Anthony shares his wisdom by reflecting on the core principles that have guided his life. He even hints at the possibility of writing another book, Life: The Journey Continues, to build on the lessons and experiences chronicled in his first memoir.