Mr. Joseph N. Charles

Joseph Nathan Charles was born on May 28, 1952 in Florence, South Carolina to the late Harry and Francine Charles.  At age of four, his parents moved to Brooklyn, New York where he spent his younger years.  Joseph was affectionately called “JC” or “Joe” by his family and many, many friends.

Joe was an active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers based in Washington, DC; the Local 3 Flushing, NY; the Local 1579 Augusta, GA; the Local 779 North Charleston, SC; and the Local 34 Peoria, IL, among others.

Joe lived in Illinois in the 1970s and 1980s.  At that time, he met someone special and together they had a beautiful girl, Ms. Janise Jackson.  Janise still resides in Peoria, IL.  As a member of the Zion Revival Center, he worked at the Children's Ministry as a minister.  While at Zion, Joe regularly visited the local cancer hospital, witnessed to the sick and dying, and spoke at weekly prayer breakfasts which were regularly attended by the mayor and state officials.

In 2001, he moved to Columbia, SC and joined the Mt. Zion Church under the late James Pressley and Rev. Virginia Pressley.  As a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, volunteer electrician/ construction supervisor, and problem-solver, Joe worked for the Lord for many years in that ministry.  He later joined the Columbia Fellowship Ministry under Rev. Luther Scott.  There he taught Sunday School, participated in fundraising for a new church and started a ministry to encourage fellowship before Sunday service.

Joe was a cheerful, jolly person always willing to help someone in need.  He was outgoing and friendly to everyone he met.  Many times, he would give his last dollar to a friend to make sure that they were ok.  His compassion and dedication will be missed.

Joseph Nathaniel Charles (affectionately known as "JC" or "Joe") leaves to mourn his passing one daughter, Janise LeAnn Jackson of Peoria, IL; two sisters, Rev. Virginia Pressley and Ruthie Purvis, both of Columbia, SC; two brothers, Harry Charles, Jr. (Lonnie) of the Philippine Islands and Clifton Charles, Sr. of Columbia, SC; one god-sister, Betty Tinker; one god-son, Crosby Broadwater, III; twelve nieces, ten nephews, a host of grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins, his church family across the U.S., many special friends and one of his best friends and work buddies, Mr. Dwight Kennedy.

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