John Cox Edmonds, age 84 of Hillsville, went to be with Jesus and was reunited with his family on Thursday evening, October 27, 2022. John was a good friend to all who knew him; a humble and kind man. John was born on September 3, 1938, in Dugspur, Virginia. His parents were Norman and Dean Edmonds. John was born into a musical family and the youngest of nine children, six boys and three girls. He was an awesome guitarist and was unique in that even though he had a speech impediment and stuttered, he sang beautifully. John used his musical talent to serve God in many ways. He played in the "Old Timers Band" with his dad and brothers and friends. He was also a member of several singing groups at one time or another, such as: the Good News Gospel Quartet from Pine Grove, Jenny Leigh and the Boys, John and the Bibletts. He sang with his sister, Ruth Goad at numerous funerals and sang with his sister Ardath and niece, Rhonda for many years at churches and revivals throughout the area. He had several playing and singing partners, such as Jerry Jackson and Bruce Rothrock, to name a few. John made his living as a cook at the Corner Restaurant for 28 years. He worked at Sureway Grocery Store and then retired as a custodian from Carroll County High School.

John was also a very active member at Fairview Presbyterian Church. He served as a youth Sunday School teacher for many years, co-treasurer with Mrs. Nunn, as Deacon, and as an Elder. He sang in the choir and participated in the Children's Christmas Fund and helped to cook at many pancake suppers. John was a dedicated soul. When John could no longer attend church because of his health, he continued to support the special offerings and missions and sent his tithe faithfully. He kept up with what was happening in the church.

About five or six years ago, John began another ministry: John began coloring pictures. He had never colored in his life. He needed something to do during the winter months when he was unable to go outside. He was given a box of 64 count crayons and a coloring book, and as they say, "the rest is history." The pictures were simple – nothing elaborate, but colorful and cheerful. John began coloring pictures and giving them to people. He sent them in Christmas cards and Easter cards. He sent them to the local area nursing homes by his friend, Jerry Jackson. John's pictures brought a smile to people's faces when they received them, which gave John pleasure too. Because of his declining health, John made the decision to go into the Hillsville Rehab and Nursing Home in Hillsville. When John went into the nursing home, he wanted to know if he would still be able to color. "Oh absolutely", they said. They set him up with his own table in his room to continue his hobby. John began giving pictures he had colored to the nurses and staff who came by to visit. They took the pictures and displayed them at their workstations and /or offices. Everyone at the nursing home has a "John Picture." John was a special person who will be missed by all. Many people said when John got to heaven, the Edmonds Family is "jammin' again". I can almost hear them. We love you John, and we will see you again. God promises and He always keeps His promise.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Nelson, Rush, Paul, Cecil, and Jack; by his sisters, Mabe Hayes, Ruth Goad, and Ardath Sawyers-Bryant, and also by three nieces: Barbara Poole, Jenny Goad, and Marcia Liddle.

He is survived by his niece and special caregiver, Rhonda Anderson; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends and also his church family.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Fairview Presbyterian Church 15 Fairview Lane, Hillsville, VA 24343 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Marc Jones, Rev. Don Biggs, and Rev. Gary Marshall officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardner Memorial Cemetery on Route 100. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairview Presbyterian Church with Carl and Linda Goad Memorial Children's Christmas Fund in the memo line.