Judge William Edwards, a veteran Mount Vernon City Court judge, died suddenly on Monday. He was 65.

Edwards had been on the bench since 2003.

In a statement, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard says he will be fondly remembered for his judicial acumen, advocacy and unwavering beliefs.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

A memorial service is set for Friday at 11 a.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.