Rev. Dr. Marjorie Ann Bishop-Edwards, is the fourth child of twenty, born to Annie J. Moore and the late Willie J. Bishop. She was raised in Ahoskie, NC and attended R. L. Vann School. She was baptized at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.

Always feeling the need to help people, Rev. Dr. Edwards decided to become a nurse. She has been a Registered Nurse for over thirty–nine years. In her career, she has travelled extensively, working in various areas of the medical profession: Medical Surgery, Intensive Care and Critical Care Units (ICU/CCU), Trauma, Emergency Room (ER), and Clinics. She is overjoyed and thankful that the Lord has used her to serve in this capacity and help many sick people.

Now that the Lord has called her, she says, “I am still trying to help the sick, just in another way, to those that need spiritual healing of mind, body, and soul.” Rev. Dr. Edwards accepted the call of God to the ministry over 14 years ago. She received her license to proclaim the Good News in 2004, under the leadership of Pastor H. D. Sidbury. On May 10, 2008, at the AME Annual Session, she was elected and ordained. She is the first ordained female minister at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Jackson, NC, a church that is 163 years old. She has been a devoted, faithful, and diligent member, assisting and serving in many capacities, including working in the prison ministry, leading Bible Study classes at noon on Tuesdays and on Wednesdays for the seniors that cannot come out at night. She loves worshipping, mentoring, preaching, and teaching, and sharing the Good News so that others may see and fully embrace God’s love and walk in victory and power as they experience the fullness of God’s promises. Rev. Dr. Edwards started the Young People and Teen Sunday School, and she served as its teacher for many years. She also initiated the Church’s first newsletter, “In the Know.” She serves on the ministerial staff at Allen Chapel AME Church as Associate Pastor, where the Rev. Glenn Orr is the Shepherd of this mighty branch of Zion.

Among academic achievements, Rev. Dr. Edwards holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and an honorary doctorate from Grace Bible College & Theological Seminary. She has also studied at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC, where she earned a degree in religion, and at Berean Light Bible Institute.

Rev. Dr. Edwards is the administrator for Motivate, Accommodate, Bless, and Encourage (MABE), a family home that provides for those in need of temporary housing, food, and clothing. Her community involvement includes her service as an elected official on the Northampton County Board of Education, where she serves as vice chair; member of CADA Executive Board, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National School Board Association, the National Caucus of Black School Boards, the Black Caucus, and Women in Ministry; lifetime member of National Council of Negro Women; treasurer of the Ministerial Council; Loyal Dgt. Ruler of Tri-County Council, Grand Temple Chaplain, Assistant Grand Lodge Chaplain, Worthy Matron of Rose of Sharon #611 (PHA), Past Ill. Commandress Rofelt Pasha #108, (PHA); Secretary of Northampton County Veteran Advisory Committee and North Carolina past 1st Vice President; member of Spelling Bee, Beauty and Talent and Fez Club; Past President and Organizer of E. Simons PCN Unit # 58, Financial Secretary of NC Shrine Club, and Past Grand Daughter Ruler.

Rev. Dr. Edwards has a strong love and great passion for people, especially senior citizens, and youth. She is also a strong advocate for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and for those who are less fortunate in our society. Her desire is to see all of them become the chosen vessels that God desires them to be. She is very passionate and feels extremely strong about the God she serves. She is committed to helping all she can on her journey in this life because she doesn’t want her living to be in vain. Her favorite motto is “Let the work I’ve done speak for me.” One of her favorite sayings is “I don’t want to be a problem, so I try hard to be a solution.”

Rev. Dr. Edwards loves the Words of God, but these scriptures are near and dear to her heart:

• Philippians 3:14 – I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not until your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.”
• Psalms 37:5 – Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

Rev. Dr. Edwards continues to be “God’s Woman,” to be used by Him for such a time as this. She strives to minister spiritually, mentally, and physically to the needs of His children. She loves mentoring students, providing leadership, advocating for seniors and veterans in the community, traveling, cooking, and attending gospel concerts. Rev. Dr. Edwards’ true joy is her family, including her daughter, Angella, her son, Christopher, her eleven grandchildren, and her nine siblings. She often says the only thing more important than her family is her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is first in her life, whom she serves with all her heart, soul, and mind. She realizes that all she is and ever hopes to be, she truly owes it all to God for His amazing grace, and His everlasting mercy. She is committed to love, peace, joy, encouragement, and righteousness, and, most of all, “kingdom building.” Wherever the will of God takes her throughout her ministry, she says, “God, equip me, anoint me, and use me, Lord, any way you wish; and send me, I will go and do your will.” She adds, “Remember to always keep Jesus first, others second, and yourself last.”