Edwin Toomer, the son of the late Samuel Toomer and Emily Blanding Toomer, was born on February 22, 1922 in Pineville, South Carolina. He departed this life on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Hospice of Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. He was raised by his grandparents, Robert and Sarah Blanding.

"Shing" as he was affectionately known as, was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County.   He was employed at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, retiring in 1987.

At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Savior and became a member of Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church where he served faithfully .

He was united in Holy Matrimony to Bernice Washington. This union was blessed with three children. His wife and a daughter, Patricia Ann preceded him in death.

Shing was a veteran of the United States Army, and served during World War II.

Shing was an avid farmer and would grow a variety of crops, including okra, peas and collard greens, which he would also freely give away whatever he planted. He would often say he just loved to see things grow. Shing was a carpenter and  loved building cabinets. He was a good listener and had a kind, caring spirit. One of his most beloved sayings was, "Somehow I Made It."

He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his precious memories: two loving children, Geneva Toomer and Gary L. (Pearly) Toomer; one grandson, reared as his own, Cedric Toomer; one great-grandson, Daivontae Howard; a sister-in-law, Georgia Mae Washington; nieces and nephews, Shearrome (Sylvia) Washington, Jerry (Lucretia) Washington, Dr. Roslyn (Danny) Guest, Ann McCray, Bernard (Diane) Prioleau, Lennett Prioleau, Alonzo Blanding, Laverne (Michael) Cribb, Ava Blanding and Denise Blanding; special nieces and nephews, Debra Blanding, Tyrone Prioleau and Keisha Washington; special friends, Robert Lee Milligan, Tim Whaley, Adam Washington, St. Julian Washington and Rickie Mustapher; a host of other relatives and friends.

We would like to thank the Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church Family for all of their prayers, Amedysis Home Healthcare, Veterans Administration, Gwen Williams for her service from Right at Home Healthcare, Presbyterian Home of Summerville, Dr. Castillone along with Roper St. Francis Healthcare and all other healthcare officials who were involved in the care of our loved one. May God forever bless and keep you.