Edward Jerome Conkey

Edward Jerome Conkey, affectionately called Ed or Eddie, was born April 9, 1952 in Newark, Delaware to the late James Maynard Conkey and Louise Quarles Conkey. He was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 while surrounded by his loved ones in the Christiana Hospital at the age of 71.

Ed or Monk as he was known to his classmates received his education in the Christiana School District, graduating from Newark High School, where he played varsity football for the Newark High Yellow Jackets. Eddie bragged to anyone who would lend a listening ear about his Mastery of Martial Arts. He could often be found

viewing Bruce Lee movies such as Enter the Dragon, Game of Death or Fists of Fury, over and over and over again. He also enjoyed watching cowboy & Indian shows, Matlock or Barnaby Jones.

Ed was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Carol J. Johnson  on Sunday, January 31, 1988,  which also happened to be the day his beloved Washington Redskins, whom he refused to call the Washington Commanders, won the NFL Super Bowl.  This year Ed and Carol were blessed to have celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary.

Ed accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior, and subsequently joined Mount Sinai Baptist Church after being baptized by the interim Pastor, Rev. Alfonso Brown on October 4, 1987.  While at Mt. Sinai, Ed was a member of the Mt. Sinai Chorus, the Mass Choir, and the Senior Ushers. He enjoyed Bible Study and participated in the church plays.

Ed was a member of the Travelers for Christ Singing group under the direction of Brother Bernard Pinder.  He later served as a Deacon at Church of the Living Word, Manna Christian Fellowship and New Antioch Baptist Church.

Ed was employed by IKEA Warehouse and First Choice Janitorial Service. He retired from Advanced Student Transportation after 18 years driving Bus #4 for Newark Charter School.

Ed enjoyed his family life. He and Carol loved vacationing especially at Virginia Beach, and they often frequented Frankie Beverly & Mase concerts. His favorite dining spot was Gus’s Crab Shack where he feasted on colossal king crabs. In 1997 Ed received a kidney transplant that lasted 24 years. In 2022 Ed’s health began to deteriorate, the

transplanted kidney failed, forcing him to return to dialysis, which took a heavy toll on his body.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, his only son, James Rainey, brothers Maynard, Ralph and Freddie and sister, Gretchin.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Carol J. Johnson, stepdaughter Joelle J. Johnson, granddaughter Jamia Williams, grandsons Jahlil Barber, Jordan Johnson(Ciera Hackett), and Jared Johnson, great grandchildren Jaliera & Nadia Barber, Miracle Hawkins and Marley Williams; siblings Cindy, Lurene, James and

Frankie; brothers-in-law Pastor William L. Carter and Eric M. Johnson; sisters-in-law Darlene A. Carter and Anna M. Conkey; dedicated life long friends Pastor Russell and Elder Sandra Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and co-workers.

Lovingly submitted,  Ed’s family