Edward Lafayette Pleasants was born to James Early Pleasants and the late Sarah Pleasants-Scroggins on October 28, 1946. Edward slipped away peacefully on April 21, 2020 at McGuire VA Medical Center. Puddin Joe, as he was affectionately called in his early years, was the eldest of five children. Edward joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Powhatan at an early age; he served as a deacon and sang in the choir. Ed graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1964 and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Wayne County Community College in Supervision and Management. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army from 1966 to 1974, and continuing in the Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant. Edward had two children from a previous marriage, Chandrika and Maurice, of whom he was very proud. He would later meet his loving wife, Frances Taylor-Pleasants. They shared a life together for eleven years. He welcomed his stepchildren, Roxanne and Calvin Jr. to this union. Ed was a very outgoing and friendly person with several friends. He often volunteered with some of his friends at the VA hospital, as well as the American Legion and Disabled Veterans, where he held membership in both organizations. Ed leaves to cherish his memory his dedicated and devoted wife, Frances; father, James (Prince); children, Chandrika (Josh) and Maurice; adopted daughter, Anh; stepchildren, Roxanne and Calvin Jr. (Jill); five grandchildren, ChaRon Joy, Cadence Jasmine, and Christian Joshua Maurice; step grandchildren, Jayvon Rahmal and Jaliyah Semaj and step great grandchildren, Mulan and Noah; siblings, Carolyn Pleasants, Marilyn Brown, Vernon (Judy) and Toney Scroggins; best buddy, William (Billy) E. Brown, Jr.(Deceased); godmother, Lucy Brown (Deceased); god sister, Laverne Callahan; devoted friends, Aubrey Bragg, James Sydnor, Jr. (cousin), Karline Moseley-Brooks, Norma Jean Patterson; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held Monday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Private funeral services will be held 12 noon Tuesday in Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment Virginia Veterans Cemetery. Live streaming at www.scottsfuneralhome.com