Edwards tapped as grand marshal

The Holly Springs Main Street Chamber has tapped Ismell Edwards as Grand Marshal of the Christmas Parade, to be held Sat. Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. in downtown Holly Springs.

Edwards has served on the Main Street Chamber board of directors for over 30 years.

He retired in June 2021 as vice-president of Rust College where he worked for 51 years and served 25 years as vice-president serving under Presidents W.A. McMillan and David Beckley.

His wife Josephine worked with the Marshall County School District 31 years and in the Memphis School System 12 years.

Edwards is an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Holly Springs were he serves on the board of trustees and as chairperson of the Leadership Committee.

He is a member of Omega Psi Phi raternity and Gamma Nu Boule professional fraternity.

The Edwards have six grandchildren, ages 12 to 22, with one boy and five girls.

“I still enjoying seeing them light up when they get their Christmas gifts,” Edwards said of his grandchildren. His 22- year-old grandson is a sophomore at Lindsey Wilson University in Kentucky.

His mother Nannie Edwards, 92, lives in New Albany.

“I feel honored to have been asked to serve as grand marshal of the parade,” Edwards said.

This is his 73 Christmas.