First and foremost, Edward James Todd was a family man: he loved his four children equally and unconditionally, and many of his happiest memories in life involved the 62 years he spent with his beloved wife, Marlean. Edward had a natural social talent that always left people charmed and smiling, and he was a good friend to the many people he knew throughout his life.

As the United States was celebrating a time of temporary peace and prosperity between the two world wars, Fred and Adell (Woodson) Todd of Grove Hill, Alabama had a celebration of their own with the birth of their fi rst son, Edward James, on February 1, 1924. EJ, or “son” as he was called by his family, was the second oldest of four children with an older sister, Ella Mae, and two younger siblings, Rutherford and Pearlie Mae. He enjoyed a typical childhood of the time, growing up on their family farm in Grove Hill. In addition to maintaining the farm, EJ’s father worked in the logging industry, driving a truck, while his mother was a busy homemaker. In order to help support his family, EJ left school before graduating to work full-time hauling logs, like his dad.

EJ was in his early 20s when he became a soldier in the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country during World War II. He received his honorable discharge in the mid 1940s, and returned home to his family in Grove Hill. Soon after, a wonderful thing happened to EJ - he met a beautiful young woman named Marlean Chapman, and

they fell hopelessly in love. The two were happily married on September 27, 1947, surrounded by their family and friends. After saying “I do,” the newlyweds settled into married life

Pre-Service – B.J. Bryant Elks #1311

Processional

*Ministry of Music – Jimmy Wilson

Reading of Comfort – Deacon Jones and Deacon Bonds

A. Old Testament Reading

B. New Testament Reading

Invocation of Comfort – Prayer – Terris Todd

Ministry of Music – Lord Prayer – OD Collins

Acknowledgements

Time of Refl ections – 3 Minutes

*Ministry of Music – Choir

Eulogy – Pastor Wyne

Recessional

Graveside – Mason Strother’s Lodge #3

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair,

Perhaps you sent a fl oral piece, if so we saw it there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words as any friend could say.

Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.

Whatever you did to console our hearts,

We thank you, whatever the part.

together and began fi lling their hearts and home with the joy and laughter of four children: Jamie Lee, Gladys, Pearlean and Karen Kay.

While Marlean stayed home to raise their children properly, EJ worked hard to faithfully provide for them. In 1952, he and Marlean moved their family to Battle Creek, Michigan,

where he found work as a Machine Operator at the Kellogg Company. In addition, EJ also drove a school bus for the Battle Creek and Pennfi eld schools. In their new community, the family became longtime members of the Second Missionary Baptist Church, and EJ served as a church trustee. He was also a very proud member and Past Grand Priest at the Mason’s Strother’s Lodge #3 F&AM in Battle Creek, and was one of the oldest living members of the BJ Bryant Elks Lodge #1311 in Battle Creek.

EJ was certainly a dedicated man with many skills. He liked to fi sh and hunt, particularly rabbit and squirrel, and he loved to eat - anything Marlean made, especially her delicious desserts. EJ and Marlean loved to travel together, though only if she could keep her feet on the ground. Over the years, they traversed this great nation, always seeking out a new and exciting destination for their next big adventure. At home, EJ loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and there was always time to hang out with his close friends, the late Charles King and Rufus Moore, Mr. C “Rip” Brown, Jimmy Wilson and Early “B” Rice. EJ could be quite the character at times with his joking and teasing, and old wise tales; he brought smiles and happiness to all those around him. Although EJ’s life was happy, it was also marked by great sorrow. EJ lost his beloved wife Marlean on June 28, 2010,

after 62 blissful years of marriage.

EJ touched everyone’s life that he came into contact with and he will be greatly missed.

Edward James Todd passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2010. The family will receive friends for a Family Hour on

Monday, October 25, from 11-12 noon, until the time of the

service at the Second Missionary Baptist Church.

Visit LifeStoryNet.com to connect with your friends and family, share stories, and sign the guestbook.

The Today® Center is the exclusive provider of the Life Story Experience™.

Services will be at 12:00 PM on Monday, October 25 at the same location. He will be laid to rest, alongside Marlean, at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Edward’s family includes his two children: Gladys Brown of Battle Creek, Pearlean Todd of Battle Creek; eight grandchildren: W. Anthony Todd of Battle Creek, Daron D. Todd of Atlanta, GA, Terris E. (Karen) Todd of Battle Creek, Todd W. Brown

of Battle Creek, Kalisha K. Todd of Battle Creek, Troy E. Hubbard of Battle Creek, Jamica L. (Sedgewick) Harris of IL, Jamie L. (Melissa) Todd, Jr. of Battle Creek; 16 great grandchildren and two great great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister, Pearlie Mae Baldwin of AL, and his sister-in-law, Hattie Mae Todd of Battle Creek, and a host of nieces and nephews, and close friends: Mr. C “Rip” Brown, Jimmy Wilson and Early “B” Rice. He is preceded in death by two children, Jamie Lee Todd and Karen Kay Todd; one great granddaughter, Amyiah J. Harris; one brother, Rutherford Todd, and a sister,

Ella Mae Todd. Please visit Edward’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may sign his online guest book before coming to the church or share a memory with her family. Those that wish may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. The family is being assisted by the Today Center of West Michigan, (877) 965-7200.