Minister Brenda Joyce Edwards-Ridley, age 69, of Springfield, OH, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Oakwood Village.  She was born March 6, 1956, in Springfield, OH, the daughter of the late Robert and Alice (Carwell) Edwards.

She united her life with Christ at an early age and was baptized at Greater First Baptist Church and later joined  the Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on June 23, 2019, under the leadership of Pastor James H. Gavin.

Joyce attended Springfield City Schools and graduated from Springfield South High and continued her education at Clark State College.  She received an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice.  She had been employed by the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center, Project Woman and No Child Left Behind Mobility Services.

She loved gardening, decorating, making wreaths and bows, worship and fellowship, taking walks, cooking, mentoring, traveling, spending time with family and especially her grandchildren.  She was so loving and kind and had a smile that would light up a room.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Rev. Ronald Ridley, whom she married August 14, 1999; her children, David Wayne, Brandi Monique, Jessie Tyrone, James Lamar, and JaFonta Maurice Edwards, Sr.;  grandchildren, Daysha, Jalaya, Alexis, Zevion, Zerian, Isaiah, Annaleah, Jhase, Amari, Imani, Alexis, Isaiah, Allison, Elijah, Micah, Alayna, Jai'lianna, Semaj, James, Jr., Messiah, Serenity, Jaseah, Javonnie (Boss Baby), and JaFonta Edwards, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Ariya and Amara Thomas, and Zy'Aire Edwards; her siblings, Mary (Dwight) Brown, her twin-sister, Anna Loyce Edwards, and Gloria Jeanne Edwards; host of nieces and nephews; close special friends, Melody Castleberry-Perry, Latanya Guy, Sister Barbara Short, Denise Duncan, Kelly Ellis, Aja Curtis, Cynthia Duncan and LaShon Weaver; special daughters-in-law, Brittany Darby, Demetria Sharp, Shantell Jewett and Shaunte Edwards.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Alice Edwards; grandmother, Allie Braxton; brother, Robert Edwards, Jr.; grandson, Brandon Smith and godmother, Alice Applin.

Visitation is Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon in Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church.