Edward Allen Laster

Edward Allen Laster was born February 5, 1934, to the late Ira and Ethel Laster in Chatham County, North Carolina. He joined Liberty Chapel Church at an early age and was baptized.  He was educated in Chatham County and graduated from Horton High School in Pittsboro, NC,

After graduating from High School, Edward relocated to Durham and enrolled at North Carolina College but later chose to attend barber college. Edward joined the United States Army and served from 1955 to 1957.

Edward was employed at the Veterans Medical Center in Durham for countless years and later retired. While at the VA he learned and enjoyed doing ceramics.

Edward met the love of his life, Ruby Mae Williams. On Friday, June 20, 1969 they married in the home of Theodore and Gladys Johnson.  Reverend Daniel Ford performed the ceremony.  Edward married Ruby and she became his wife for his lifetime. They were married for fifty years until her death May 25, 2020.  Edward and Ruby chose well.

Edward moved his membership in 1970 to Community Baptist Church in Durham, NC under the leadership of Reverend Edgar Thompson.  He remained there under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Percy R. Chase until God called him home.  Edward was a proud and faithful member.  Edward served diligently on the Chancellor Choir, Layman League, Trustee, and Veteran Affairs. If there was a need, he saw that things were done. 

Edward was a well-known, loyal member of the Masonic community where he dedicated many years of service to the organization.  He was a member of Doric Lodge #28, PHA; Durham, Consistory # 218, PHA; and Zafa Temple #176, PHA. 

He volunteered wherever he could be of assistance to make an event a success both financially and physically.

Edward was a member of the Brothers and Sisters Church Union in Moncure, NC.

Edward enjoyed fishing in the family pond on the Laster Estate and cruising in his boat on Lake Jordan. Most activities were experienced with his best friend, Theodore Johnson. He and Ruby travel extensively with the Johnson’s to Honolulu, HI, New Orleans, LA, Detroit, MI, Las Vegas, NV, St. Louis, MO, Indianapolis, IN, Tampa Fl, Saulsbury, MD, Chicago, Il, and Phoenix, AZ, and Myrtle Beach, SC. They also cruised with Beverly and Tywanna to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Martin, and St. John. Every year Ed and Ruby would attend the NCCU Alumni Gala in Washington, DC shared with his brother and sister-in-law, Ira and Mary Laster and other family members and friends. They ventured to other destinations over the years enjoying life to the fullest.

Edward was a committed member of the Orindo Drive Neighbors. He was very proud to support his community and make it the best in Durham.

Edward was preceded in death by his brothers, Clifton Daniel Laster, and Dr. Ira Laster, Jr. and his wife, Ruby W. Laster.

For I am ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  Timothy 4:6-7

Edward will be forever remembered by his sisters, Myrtle L. Fuqua, Durham, NC, Lois Maxine Hall, Springfield, MA, sister -in-law, Mary W. Laster, Bethesda, MD,  Henrietta (Doll) Williams, Atlanta, GA, brother-in-law Rudolph Ellis (Faye) Durham, NC and stepson Ron Williams (Carol) Durham, NC. Beverly P. West (David) Durham, NC., a special niece who was like a daughter. Other nieces Tywanna Perry, Durham, NC, Cynthia L. Hatten, Washington, DC, S. Donnese Laster, New Hill, NC, Dr. Meka E. Laster, Silver Spring, MD, Adrienne Dickens(Jason), Southlake, TX,   Nephews, Michael Perry (Debra), Baltimore, MD, Quentin Laster (Teresa), Moncure, NC, Valerie Bacote, Beverly Morgan (Howard), Cary, NC, Mike Ellis, Durham, NC, Sonja Watson (Orlando),Stem, NC, Sherrie Mahan (Russelll), Denise Lane (Doug), Toni Williams, Ferchavion Mitchell, Jari Christmas (Walter), Robert Bacote (Delicia), Vincent Bacote (Shelley) and Rod Bacote. and Maria Alston, Durham, NC who was like a granddaughter, and a host of other relatives and friends.   

Edward will also be forever remembered by his dearest friends, Gladys Johnson, Carrie Hill, Ann Thompson , Joseph W. Burwell (Antionette) of Durham, NC.

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