"ALL day and ALL night ANGELS are watching over the Bacchus-Jones Families"

"When my troubles surround me and I didn't have to despair
Lord you told me that you'd be right there
It seems like all my problems, had just begun
I didn't have to worry no more, They were already won...Oh, Jesus (Jesus)
Oh, Jesus  Oh, how I love Calling your name
Sweet Jesus, Jesus ,Oh, every day, Your name is the same..."

Edward Junior Bacchus the son of the late Joe and Annie Bacchus transitioned peacefully into the arms of our Savior on Thursday, July 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers.

In the late 1970's, EJ became a member of Grace Baptist Church of Christ pastored by the late Rev. Jacob N. Underwood Sr. in East New York, Brooklyn, where he was an active member in various choirs, Saturday Outreach,  and an appointed walking deacon who liaison the Missionary Unit in conjunction with the Nurses' Unit to name a few.   During the Great Migration EJ relocated to Brooklyn, New York. In his quest he adapted to the melting pot and navigation in New York City. He met a beautiful woman, Margaret Jones, at their place of employment who became his wife for 53 years after three years of courtship. From this union one daughter, Deatrice, was born. As the Bacchus’ family began to mature, EJ accepted a position as an Auto Parts Repairer at an auto parts establishment for nearly 20 years prior to the business moving to the state of Pennsylvania.

By the mid 1990’s, EJ relocated from Brooklyn, New York to Gates, North Carolina. Despite the bittersweet feelings towards urban living he reacclimated and became a member of the New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church under the tutelage of the late Reverend Cherry who was succeeded by the Reverend Doctor Claude Odom (former pastor). EJ participated and rarely opened Bible Study with a testimonial song, attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other meaningful church events. Although EJ’s socializing outside of church activities became infrequent he remained enjoying music listening and ministry from a balanced controlled audio system. He self-initiated the revamping of the church audio system which ignited a defined crystal sound during every service. Prior to services he would play genres of gospel / Christian music in place of live worship and praise when needed. Being experienced with his urban church professional equipped broadcasting room that aired weekly Sunday services through the tri-state AM radio dial EJ mirrored mirrored the method utilized at Grace Baptist Church of Christ pastored by the late Rev. Jacob N. Underwood, Sr. in Brooklyn, New York, by promoting and selling tapes of church services. He independently outreached throughout Marion (SC), Gates, Perquimans, and Chowan (NC) counties from his own expense by giving complimentary self-made audio cassettes and Daily Word booklets to the sick and shut-ins. Mr. Bacchus authentically enjoyed visiting and encouraging others at any opportunity; however, his engaging activities changed from limited to infrequent as the ailments of rheumatoid arthritis became increasingly challenging. During the course of years Mr. Bacchus became mainly homebound and was succeeded by his nephew, Steven Riddick, who launched the airing of church services via the Internet and maintains the church’s audio/video system.

The life and legacy of EJ will be remembered on Saturday the second day of August twenty-twenty five beginning at the ten o'clock hour for the viewing and remembrance with friends and family at the New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church. Promptly at the eleven o'clock hour the Homegoing Celebration will begin with the Rev. J.C. Wolfrey providing words of comfort for the family and friends of the late Edward Bacchus. At the denouement of the Homegoing Celebration, Mr. Bacchus earthly vessel will be laid to rest on the terra firma of the Jones Family Estates

Edward Junior Bacchus leaves to cherish his devoted wife, Margaret (Gates, NC), and daughter Dr. Deatrice Bacchus (John) of Rockville Centre, NY. Great aunts Willie Ruth Gause-Smith (the late Mack Clee) of Philadelphia, PA; Carrie Bacchus-Boatwright of Stratford, CT; Candice Conyers of Pamplico, SC; Sister-in-law Mozenia Bacchus of Britton’s Neck, SC. Sisters: Annie Jo Woodberry (Robert Lee) Britton’s Neck, SC; Mary Elizabeth Johnson (Eddie Sr.) Sumter, SC; Julia Holland (Larry) Dunn, NC; Wanda Davis (Mac Millian) Britton’s Neck, SC, Carnell Taylor (Ricky) Britton’s Neck, SC, Maxine Rogers (Gerald) Britton’s Neck, SC; Brother-in-law William C. Jones (Martha) of Hertford, NC; Sister-in-law Elsie S. Riddick (the late Willliam Alton) of Lawrence, MA; Brother-in-law Joseph D. Felton (the late Clementine D.) of Hertford, NC; Sister-in-law Alberta Jones (the late Herbert L) of Hephzibah, GA; Brother-in-law Louis D. Jones (Mirena) or Tyner, NC; Norman N. Jones (Delores) of Lawrence, MA; Thelma L. (the late Charles) Gates, NC and Martha Virginia “Gen” (James Sr.) Suffolk, VA along with a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Bacchus family would publicly like to thank: the Medical Staff of Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk, VA, Accordius Down East Health & Rehabilitation, Gatesville, NC, Ministers in Fellowship throughout Gates and Chowan Counties, Dennis J. Stallings Memorial Funeral Home, Family, friends, and loved ones.

EJ's family honored his final request by entrusting the team of Dennis J. Stallings Memorial Funeral Home of Gatesville, NC to serve them during their time of bereavement. DJSMFH professional team will assist the Bacchus Family during their hours of bereavement and beyond through unprecedented, sincere, heartfelt, compassionate and detailed personalized services catered to their wishes and desires. Please continue to uplift the immediate family and all connected families of Edward J. Bacchus  through words of comfort, telephone calls/text messages, prayers, "virtual" hugs, thoughts or even just a smile.