Charles "Arius" Ilfoya Theodore

It is with heavy hearts but profound gratitude, for a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of our beloved family Patriarch, Charles (Arius) Ilfoya Theodore, who gracefully went to rest after 100 and a half years in this world. A beacon of strength, faith, and love, Arius left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.

Born on November 18, 1923, in the vibrant town of L'Acul-du-Nord, Haiti, Arius was the eldest brother of 11 siblings, a responsibility he shouldered with unwavering dedication from a young age. At the tender age of 14, he embarked on a journey of discovery, hard work and resilience, cultivating a lifelong commitment to providing for his siblings and, later, his own family through his endeavors as a Carpenter and a farmer.

On May 25, 1965, Charles pledged a lifelong commitment to his beloved wife, Talita, embarking on a 59-year journey filled with love, partnership, and shared dreams. Together, they built a family rooted in faith and resilience; their union was a testament to the enduring power of commitment, faith, and devotion. As a lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Arius lived his life as a shining example of his strong belief in the transformative power of faith and the boundless grace of God.

A devoted father, Arius raised seven independent and successful adults, instilling in them the values of hard work, compassion, and integrity. His legacy lives on not only in the achievements of his children but in the countless lives he touched through his generosity and kindness.

Arius dedicated his life to service, mission, and leadership. His unwavering goal to be a devout man of God; a commitment that demanded personal and family sacrifices yet offered immeasurable rewards. Charles was a selfless giver, believing that helping others was central to the Christian life he was called to lead.

Beyond his role as a provider and guide, Arius was a soulful musician, creating melodies, with his harmonica, that echoed the harmony of his own life—a life marked by resilience, love, and an unyielding commitment to God.

On the dawn of May 25, 2024, on his 59th wedding anniversary, Charles, surrounded by his children and grandchildren peacefully went to rest.

Charles was not merely a husband, a father, a brother and a provider; he was a pillar of strength, a beacon of faith, and a source of unwavering love. His presence, charisma, and the warmth of his smile will be dearly missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Talita Theodore, his seven children and their spouses, Rene and Allyson Theodore, Chantalle Theodore, Youvelie Brenus, Fombrun and Elizabeth Theodore, Everose and Levi Romeus, Hedma and Mislene Theodore, Ozlou Theodore and, Richard and LaCesia Theodore; his grandchildren, Mike Theodore, Marco Theodore, Geri Theodore, Elsie Theodore, Clarentz Guerrier, Zion Guerrrier, Rachelle Johnson, Foelizia Theodore, Chavannes Theodore, Samuel Theodore, Lisa Romeus, Devley Romeus, Mitch Theodore, Nephtalie Theodore, Jennifer Theodore, Lensley Theodore, Jamesley Theodore, Lendon Richard Theodore, Eve Angeline Michelle Theodore and Xavier Charles Theodore; and, his great grandchild [...], his brothers Amos Theodore, Gedeon Theodore, Abraham Theodore, David Theodore, Andre Theodore, Corneille Saintvil and his Sisters Deborah Theodore and Elizabeth Theodore and a very extended family.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 6, from noon until 4pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, Saint Louis MO 63109. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 7 at 10am at Saint Louis Southside Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4108 Reavis Barracks Road, Saint Louis MO 63125. Entombment immediately following at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. Louis Southside Seventh-day Adventist Church would be greatly appreciated by his family.

Please leave a fond memory of Arius for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.