Vivian Edwards

Vivian May Edwards, 69, passed into eternal glory with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on February 22nd, 2025. She was the wife of 49 years and 364 days to Richard Alan Edwards. She was the daughter of the late Luis Argelio and Sarah Luz Rodriguez, who were both immigrants to Miami, FL USA in 1948 from Santiago de Cuba. She grew up in Miami, and besides a four year stint (1990-1994) as a missionary in Costa Rica, she lived out her remaining years in metro Atlanta and Dahlonega.

She was the sister to the late Luis Max Rodriguez and to Janis Lee Colon. Richard and Vivian have four children (Jeremy R. Edwards, Joshua M. Edwards, Rebecca E. Montgomery, and Jacqueline A. Folsom), two sons-in-law (Daniel J. Montgomery and J. Luke Folsom), a daughter-in-law (Kelly L. Edwards), and 12 grandchildren (Baelyn Edwards, Noah Edwards, Ezra Edwards, Ira Montgomery, Annabella Edwards, Evren Montgomery, Isaiah Folsom, Judah Folsom, Ember Montgomery, Naomi Folsom, Truly Montgomery, and Eli Folsom.)

Vivian graduated from the same high school as her future husband (‘71) in 1974: Southwest Miami High School. She also attended Florida Bible College from 1974-1975.

A short story of how Richard (Rick) and Vivian met: Vivian was a part of Southwest Ranch (a youth ministry), which met at Vivian’s parents’ house, and SW Community Church in 1973. Vivian and a number of other teenagers from Ranch had taken a Winnebago on a retreat in NC. On their return journey, the vehicle broke down as they were traveling through Orlando. They called for help to SW Community Church, and Rick, along with two assistant pastors, rented another Winnebago and traveled to Orlando to rescue them. When Rick saw Vivian, he immediately noticed her beauty (green eyes and wavy brown hair), her graceful demeanor, as well as Vivian’s heart for evangelism. The rest is history.

Vivian was always even-tempered, gentle-spirited, and peaceful-minded. She indulged herself in writing poetry, reading Christian books, especially on the topic of heaven, and she discovered an ability as an artist later in life. She learned in recent years that her mother’s ability as a painter had passed on to her, and she entered a renaissance period when she explored her creative side, alongside her beloved sister and fellow artist, Janis. She was a lifelong lover of God’s Word, the hymns of the faith, and fellowship with others. Her greatest blessing and fulfillment was in knowing her children, children-in-laws, and grandchildren, and in possessing the knowledge that they followed the Lord.

Vivian loved Cuban culture and food, the ocean, the mountains, hummingbirds, flowers and gardens, smooth jazz, the Gettys music, church architecture, cake and ice cream, herbal tea, Mexican pile-up, author Francis Ridley Havergal, and her Daschund “Minnie Mae.” She had a strong affinity and compassion for animals.

One of her highest joys and greatest satisfactions in life was in seeing the needs of others met above and before her own. Those who knew her best recognized her strengths as being a

great forgiver, a prayer warrior, especially for her grandchildren, and extending compassion to those in need.

Vivian is with Jesus and wants all to know that they can join her by placing their hope and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to receive the free gift of salvation.

Vivian’s funeral will take place on Saturday, March 1st at McDonald’s Funeral Home at 150 Sawnee Dr., Cumming, GA 30040. Immediate and close family are accepted for a viewing at 9:30am. Receiving of family and friends for visitation starts at 10:30, followed by a service at 11:30. A short burial service will immediately follow at Sawnee Gardens at 1390 Dahlonega Hwy., Cumming, GA 30040.

Per Vivian’s request, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to Leading the Way with Michael Youssef at http://www.ltw.org.