Edward "Eddie" Morris Hood

Edward Morris Jamison Hood was born on June 10, 1934 in Big Bee Valley, Mississippi to the late Edd Jamison and Lizzie Showers. At the age of 4, Edward relocated to St Louis, Missouri with his Mother and Stepfather William (Bill) Hood and then later moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey where he attended New Brunswick Public Schools. At an early age, Edward accepted Christ and was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. Edward entered in Military service where he served as a Corporal in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 which included a tour in Korea. Upon Honorable Discharge from the Army, Edward returned to New Jersey and attended Wilfred Academy in Newark, NJ. He obtained his NJ State Barber’s license and worked locally for several years before opening Eddie’s Barber Shop and Beauty Salon, Somerset, NJ in 1982. In his 61 years of barbering, Edward cut the hair of multiple generations; while also providing an ear, lots of guidance, encouragement, wisdom and jokes. He visited many of the sick and shut-in at home and in facilities providing haircuts which he considered his personal ministry. In June of 2021 Edward retired at the age of 87. Edward was very proud to have been an upstanding member of the community where he never hesitated to support various organizations and clubs in any way that he could. He sponsored and supported countless young women in the Ebony Suburbanites Debutante Cotillion. He also provided college scholarships and sponsored children’s attendance to sports camps and The Youth Empowerment Services youth nights. In addition, he voluntarily taught the Barbering portion of the Cosmetology course at Rainbow Beauty Academy in Perth Amboy, NJ. Edward was a mentor and advocate to many new Barbers and Beauticians locally. Edward was a life-long student and took pleasure in reading and sharing books and numerous newspapers daily, taking classes and engaging in commentary and discourse about current events. He read and studied the Word like a seminarian.Edward was a member of Progressive Lodge #17 Free and Accepted Mason, PHA, in New Brunswick for 63 years and was the oldest living member.He always enjoyed watching old TV Westerns and other television shows and upon his retirement, General Hospital. Edward met Claudine Barnes in 1976 and they lovingly entered into marriage in 1980. They enjoyed 43 years of marriage; sharing many road trips and vacations, socializing and dancing; and celebrating so many special occasions with their children, grandchildren and extended family. Edward was a savvy businessman, diligent worker, stylish dresser, class personified and a loyal and faithful friend. He had an engaging personality and had a special gift of making everyone feel special and loved. Edward was predeceased by his parents, Edd Jamison, Lizzie Showers, and William and Alice Hood; his children, Theresa Ford Henderson and Keith Hood; granddaughters, Miqhayla and Asia Brister. He leaves to forever cherish his memory: his devoted wife Claudine; his son Edwin; his daughters Kymberly (Phillip) and Tinisha (Aaron); his grandchildren; Tiffany, Ashley, Shaniqua, Bradford, Anthoney, Jewell, Ryan, Amari, Jaabez, Danielle, Jamal, Jihad and Demonte; great grandchildren Kashaun, Kyle, Nyla, Lillian, Sage, Ezra, Montana, Harmony, Aliza and Jamal Jr.; a special sister in love Sherrie Barnes; in-laws and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services for Edward "Eddie" Hood of Somerset, NJ were held Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at First Baptist of Lincoln Gardens. 771 Somerset Street, Somerset. Rev. Dr. Dante Quick was the hosting pastor and Bishop Charles V. Singletary was the eulogist.

Edward "Eddie" Morris Hood

June 10, 1934 - July 2, 2023