Joe Louis Edens

Joe Louis Edens was born in Crockett, Texas, on April 1, 1937, to John Henry Edens and Pauline Devreaux. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Geraldine and Barbara. At the age of 12, he moved to Houston, where he attended Jack Yates High School. In 1955, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he received the Sharpshooter Badge and the Good Conduct Medal. He transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve in January 1960 and was honorably discharged in January 1962.

He met Anita Louis Knight in 1970, and they were united in holy matrimony in 1972. Over the years, he worked as a steelworker, truck driver, and psychiatric technician at a treatment facility. He began his recovery journey in October 1997 and joined Lilly Grove Baptist Church in 1998. He was profoundly grateful to remain clean and sober for more than 28 years. During that time, he generously shared his time, encouragement, prayers, and wisdom with others in recovery. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his uncles, Clarence Devreaux and J.D. Devreaux; his devoted wife, Anita; his stepson, Bryan; his brother-in-law, Stanley; and many grandchildren, cousins, and other beloved relatives across the United States. Joe lived a full and meaningful life and will be remembered as a source of strength, faith, and inspiration to many.