A Life of Love, Family, and Service: Remembering Edward James Cody, Sr.
A Devoted Father, Grandfather, and Partner
Few lives shine with as much love and devotion as that of Edward James Cody, Sr. Born June 23, 1935, in Philadelphia, Edward—known affectionately as “Eddie”—was one of fourteen children of Wayman F. Cody and Marie Burns Cody. He graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1953, where he served as president of his senior class, and went on to attend Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.
For more than 20 years, Edward shared his life with his partner, Lucy Fitch. Together, they built a home, nurtured a close family life, and celebrated milestones with their children and grandchildren.
A Life of Service and Faith
In 1957, Edward was drafted into the United States Army. He served for two years before transferring to the Army Reserve, where he remained until his honorable discharge in 1963. His service instilled in him the discipline and dedication that shaped his life.
Edward built a long career with the United States Postal Service, where he worked until his retirement in 1995. Alongside his career, he raised two children, Edward Jr. and Karen Essie Woodland, and was later blessed with seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Karen remembers him as the heart of the family: “Dad was always supportive. He told me, ‘Baby girl, I’m fine,’ even when things got tough. He had such a strong spirit.”
He later returned to the Postal Service, but his faith became equally central to his identity. He worshipped at Allen AME Church and later at Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown. Having accepted Christ at an early age, Edward became, in Karen’s words, “a 24/7 warrior for Christ.” He faithfully attended the City-Wide Interdenominational Christian Training Institute at Mount Tabor AME Church, where he proudly graduated as an Evangelist. Edward was also a 32nd-degree Mason of the Masonic Fraternity and a member of the Herbert E. Miller Lodge #151.
Turning to Gilchrist and The Lifecare Institute
In early 2025, Edward suffered a fall and was later diagnosed with cancer. Though he began treatment, the toll on his body was overwhelming at the age of 89. He spent time in a rehabilitation facility, but his daughter soon realized he was not receiving the attentive care he needed.
“My dad developed a serious wound that wasn’t being treated,” Karen explains. “I knew I couldn’t leave him there. That’s when I reached out to Gilchrist, and they gave me the support and confidence I needed to bring him home.”
Because of where Edward lived, Gilchrist connected Karen and her family with its Anne Arundel/Prince George’s County partner, The Lifecare Institute, a collaboration between Gilchrist and Luminis Health. Karen and her brother wanted to ensure his final chapter was marked by comfort and dignity, so Edward was admitted there to receive specialized hospice care. “His mind was still sharp,” Karen recalls. “So, there was nothing we could do other than to ensure he was cared for and comfortable.”
Finding Comfort at Home
With The Lifecare Institute’s support, Edward was able to return home and spend his final weeks surrounded by family. The hospice team provided supplies, nursing care, and guidance, giving Karen the strength she needed to care for him. “The aides and nurses were fantastic,” Karen says. “When I said I needed oxygen or supplies, they were right there—sometimes in 10 or 20 minutes. They gave me everything I needed to take care of my dad.” Karen is grateful not just for the medical care, but for the compassion she felt from the entire team. “Everyone who came into our home treated my dad with such dignity,” she shares. “They weren’t just doing a job—they really cared. That made all the difference.”
A Salute to Service
One of the most meaningful moments came just a day before Edward passed, when The Lifecare Institute staff held a Salute to Service ceremony honoring his military service. Surrounded by family and friends, Edward was presented with a certificate from Gilchrist, a We Honor Veterans pin from the Veterans Administration, a patriotic blanket made by a volunteer, and a thank-you card from a student. The ceremony included the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of patriotic songs, including the Army song.
Though very weak at the time, Edward lifted his arm to salute during the National Anthem—a gesture that spoke volumes about his love and respect for his country. “It was fantastic,” Karen recalls. “The recognition meant so much to him and to us. It was exactly what he deserved.”
Surrounded by Love in His Final Moments
Edward’s final days were filled with love, family, and care. On July 27, 2025, he passed peacefully at home, surrounded by those who cherished him most. Reflecting on his journey, Karen says, “My dad was an amazing man—supportive, loving, and strong. Gilchrist and The Lifecare Institute gave us the chance to focus on being his family instead of just his caregivers. That’s something I’ll never forget.” She adds, “They walked with us every step of the way. They gave me peace of mind, and they gave my dad comfort. I will forever be thankful.”
Edward James Cody, Sr.’s story is one of faith, service, and love. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in the memories, they carry of a life well lived.
To learn more, visit: The Lifecare Institute