Charles E. White

Deacon Charles Edward White was born in Jasper, Texas on April 8, 1933 to the late Fletcher and Allie White. He professed his faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Greater New Bethel Baptist Church in Jasper, Texas.

He attended J.H. Rowe School in Jasper, Texas and enjoyed his classmates and friends, where he was affectingly known as “Fella”. After graduation, he joined the United States Army, and served honorably for two years. Following faithful service to his country, he completed his undergraduate education at Texas Southern University.

While at Texas Southern University, he met a beautiful, young woman, named Sophia Castleberry. They soon married, and relocated to Gary, Indiana. To this union one daughter, Charlene was born.

A retired educator, he served as an exemplary teacher in the Chicago Public Schools for 33 years, teaching at Simon Guggenheim Elementary School on the south side of Chicago.

He joined First Baptist Church of Gary in the early 1960’s under the pastorage of Rev. Robert E. Penn, here he became an ordained deacon, and served as President of the church choir. In 1981, he became a charter member of Christ Baptist Church.

Charles served in varies organizations, including a Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and American Red Cross.

Mr. and Mrs. White retired to Kingwood, Texas, and continued to serve as Deacon and Deaconess at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories his dearly, devoted wife Sophia, his daughter Charlene, and granddaughter Ashley. Five sisters: Doris Huley, Ardella Paul, Helen Brooks, Mildred Hicks, and Christine Carter. Sisters-in-law: Sedalia (Wayland) Mitchell, Lillian (Eddie) Brumfield, Barbara Castleberry, Selma (Donald) Rogers, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Deacon Charles White was a courageous, loving, caring man who was dedicated to his faith, and family. His life touched and affected all he met.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association

http://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=201915&fr_id=5446&pg=team