SUFFOLK—Colonel Edward Boykins, died peacefully April 24, 2008, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Boykins was a native of Southampton County and was born to the late Will Thomas and Louvenia Boykins on June 11, 1933.

In later years, he moved from Southampton County to Suffolk.

He was a member of First Baptist Church, Mahan Street in Suffolk.

He was employed as a custodian supervisor at Nansemond River High School in Suffolk.

He retired in 1999 as a custodian supervisor at Oakland Elementary School in Chuckatuck.

Survivors include his faithful wife, Dorothy Boykins; two sons, Colonel Boykins Jr. of Portsmouth and Darryl Boykins (the Rev. Felita Boykins) of Norfolk; one grandson, Isaiah Boykins of Norfolk; two sisters, Lumatha King of Chesapeake and Willie Mae Barnes of Boston, Mass.; one brother, Walter Boykins (Hattie) of Franklin; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service was held in his honor at Tuesday at First Baptist Church Mahan Street. Interment followed at Carver Memorial Cemetery.

Professional services were entrusted to T.W. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home.