Charles J Patterson

CHARLES J. PATTERSON was born May 30, 1932, in Sanford, North Carolina, to Charlie Patterson Sr. and Nannie E (nee Mclver) Patterson. Raised by his beloved grandmother Minnie Worthy Mclver, Charles grew up on the family's 18 acre farm, which he helped clear and maintain with pride and responsibility as the eldest grandson remaining with her. Raised closely with many of his first cousins, he formed lasting relationships that continued throughout his life.

He attended W.B. Wicker High School, where he famously drove School Bus #52 as a student and graduated with the Class of 1953. After High School, Charles enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving as a medic in Germany during the end of the Korean War. He also played football for the Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal after six years of dedicated service.

Charles later moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he worked in construction, he also became the father of two sons, Gerald (deceased), and Charles, both with Lily Ferguson.

In 1963, Charles was introduced by his cousin Ruth to the love of his life, Naomi Jackson. They later married and remained devoted to one another until her passing in 2015. Charles embraced Naomi's seven children as his own and together they raised a large and loving family. Their union was further blessed with two sons, Calvin (deceased) and Jerry.

Charles and Naomi moved to Baltimore in the late 1960's where he worked at American Smelting and later became the proud owner-operator of Royal Cab #1060. The red-and-white cab became a Baltimore staple, and Charles faithfully served the community for decades. In the late 1990's he continued driving after Royal merged with Arrow Cab, until retiring in 2005. He also helped his son Calvin launch his own career in the cab business.

In 1970, Charles and Naomi purchased their cherished home on 906 Rutland Avenue in East Baltimore. The 900 block became a close-knit community filled with family, friendship, and history. They later moved to Asbury Avenue in 2004, where family continued to gather and create memories.

Charles was a devoted member of New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Pastor's Aide, willing Worker and was later ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Pastor Robert L. Haynes. Even when age and health limited his attendance, his spirit remained rooted in faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Patterson Sr. and Nannie E. Patterson; wife, Deaconess Naomi Patterson; children, Gerald, Calvin, Carlton "Andy", Norman, Merlon "Lois", Aron "Smitty", and Cynthia "Niecy", siblings, Jerry, Deborah and Larry; and grandchildren Rashad, Calvin Jr. ("Bookie"), Jamel and Kenya.

He leaves to cherish his memory; children Charles, William "Fatty", Jerry, and daughter Shirley "LuLu"; twenty-one grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, including Anton and Michael, who were lovingly raised in his home; seven great-great-grandchildren; three beloved sisters-in-laws, Ollie, Gloria "Red" and Jeanette "Tiny"; cousins Candy, Dot, Blanch and Marva Jewel; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, neighbors and his cherished church family.

A life of Service, Love, and Legacy-Deacon Charles J. Patterson was a soldier, a provider, a protector, and a pillar in his community. His wisdom, honor and devotion to family will continue to live on through all those he touched.