Edward N. Mann Sr., great cook
Edward Nathaniel Mann Sr., 54, of Seaford, known by most people as “Eddie,” “Big Ed,” “Pop,” Pop-Pop,” “Truck,” “Mister Eddie,” and affectionally called “Baby” by his wife, was born Saturday, Dec. 18, 1965, the son of the late Edith Gertrude Mann and Linwood Willis Mann. On Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, after hearing his wife whisper, “It’s OK to sleep,” Edward took his permanent rest, free from pain and suffering, with his wife and four-legged buddy Milo by his side.
Edward’s wife was his complete happiness. She was surely the joy of his life. He made sure she wanted for nothing even after telling her, “Lil, I’m not giving you everything you see.” Although within a short span of time (normally a couple days) he would make sure she had what she liked. His love for her was seen in the twinkle of his eyes and definitely in his actions especially when his “No” would turn into “Here, go get what you wanted.”
Edward obtained his education in the Indian River School District. Edward’s love for football did not obtain him a football career, but he was definitely a sideline coach for the team of his dreams, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Being a diehard fan, watching every game, and seeing their good and flaws, he never strayed from his team. When asked, “Who is your favorite player,” Edward’s response was, “All of them.”
In the home he shared with his wife, Edward accepted the Lord as his personal savior on April 29, 2019 – it was a glorious day. Edward and his wife would often pray together, and they would also sit and talk about God’s Word along with Sunday’s sermons.
Edward was loved and respected by so many people. He was the life of any occasion he attended. A simple family cook-out was one of his most rewarding times, especially those hosted by his brother and right-hand man Dennis. He enjoyed formal outings with his wife. The jokes and clowning around he displayed were hilarious. Edward loved to dance and sing music. A few of his favorite artists were Jahiem, Sir Charles, Tyrese, Donnell Jones and many more. While dating his wife and while in his weakness, while in his hospital bed, he would sing a portion of a song by TKSoul, “I’m Looking for a Lady” to his wife. He was a kid at heart and his love for music meant he had to have speaker systems which his wife made sure he had the ones he wanted. He also had a love for remote control cars which his wife made sure he had for his past birthday and Christmas. This past Christmas morning was the last time he and his son JaeDen in their PJs played with those cars in their front yard.
Edward met his then-girlfriend in May 2016, and they have been inseparable since then, avoiding whenever possible anything that would tear them apart. On June 14, 2019, they pledged their love to one another as husband and wife. Edward and Lelia were truly in love; their wedding day was one of the happiest days of their lives. He enjoyed Saturday rides to BJ’s with his wife, movie nights and watching football on Sundays. Their most memorable times together were spent cooking, which they did every chance they got. He was a great cook and taught his wife a lot about being a great cook. He was famous for his fried white potatoes and she enjoyed his homemade chicken noodle soup. Lelia loved to bake from scratch, especially since Edward was always ready to be her taste tester. Cooking was fun whenever they did it together. Even though he taught her how to make a lot of his dishes, she would always insist that he make them, often telling him, “Yours taste better.”
It was definitely no secret to anyone who knew him, Edward prided himself in having three sons. He loved all his children, grandchildren and the additional children he gained with his marriage to Lelia. Between the two of them they had eight children and 11 grandchildren, and an additional one due in May. The word “stepchildren” was never used by him; they were all equally loved. His son DeShawn is the oldest and had the most time in his dad’s life. They were a true example of an extraordinary father & son relationship along with being each other’s best friend. DeShawn thought Lelia was special also and often referred to her as “Mom.” Dominick, referred to as “Donny,” was his second born, and his dad referred to him as his “Super Star.” Edward was so proud of him for graduating from high school and attending college. He looked forward to sharing his love for basketball with him. Edward Jr. “EJ” was his baby boy. They spent most weekends together shooting the breeze and watching movies at his apartment in Milford. The late-night talks and walks across the highway in Milford to the store created an unbreakable bond.
Edward was very passionate about working. That was “a must.” He always spoke highly about his employment at Mountaire in which he worked almost around the clock from 2004 through 2013. He held the position of a supervisor from 2011 thru 2013.He always spoke highly about his employment at Mountaire. Although Edward was on dialysis three days a week, he was able to maintain his employment as a forklift driver for Pallet Masters in Bridgeville from 2016 until 2020; he worked until he became too ill and weak to work.
In Edward’s life, there were a lot of people he enjoyed hanging out with on the weekends and any other day that he could. One of those special people was his brother Dennis along with his wife Glenda. They enjoyed playing spades; of course he thought he was the best. The dinner outings, holiday celebrations, Sunday rides and all the good times they spent with family will be greatly missed.
Edward leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his best friend and wife Lelia Renee Mann of Seaford; six sons: DeShawn Copes of Laurel, Dominick Conquest of Seaford, Edward Mann Jr. of Seaford, Justin Williams of Philadelphia, Pa., Jarrett Johnson of Jacksonville, Fla., and JaeDen Parrish of Seaford; two daughters, Janay Scott and Jasmine Williams of Philadelphia; three brothers, Dennis L. Mann (Glenda) of Laurel, Norman L. Mann of Seaford, and Tyrone D. Mann of New Mexico; two sisters, Lisa Mann Johnson (James) of Milton, and Michelle Cabacar (Raymond) of Greenville, N.C.; half-brothers and -sisters Lindwood Marshall, Jonathan Downing, Linwood Downing and Deborah Marshall, all of Delaware; 11 grandchildren; mother-in-law Dorothy Richardson of Philadelphia; and father-in-law Rufus Williams (Kathy) of Jacksonville, N.C.; best friend Raymond Burton (Erica) of Delmar; one goddaughter, Leeah Burton; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and so many friends. We loved you, but God loved you more! We shall see one another again!
Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Linwood Mann; and a sister, Carol Ann Mann.
A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mount Joy Road, Millsboro.
Service is entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service Inc.
