Charles Gathers

November 21, 1922 - October 8, 2016

"No words of sympathy can ease the hurt that is ours, but thoughts and memories last as long as time endures; so as our treasured memories grow more with each tomorrow, may they become a source of peace and comfort in our sorrow." Bro. Charles “Stut” Gathers was born in Rembert, SC on November 21, 1922. On Friday, October 7, 2016, he departed this earthly life at the Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, South Carolina surrounded by his loving family. He attended the public schools of Sumter County, South Carolina He served during World War II in the US Navy as a Petty Officer. He was assigned to several Navy Ships and traveled to many ports throughout the United States and abroad. He received special recognition for his service as part of the Photographic Interpretation Squadron One aboard a US Aircraft Naval ship in 1944. Bro. Charles received his vocational training from Denmark Technical College in Orangeburg, SC. He utilized his knowledge and skills to work as a bricklayer until his retirement. He was a strong believer in education and one of his proudest accomplishments was to have all six of his children graduate from college. Bro. Charles was the son of the late Charles Howard and Susan Weston Gathers and stepson of the late Carolina Gathers. He accepted Christ at an early age and became a lifelong, faithful member of High Hills A.M.E church in Dalzell, South Carolina. There he served as class leader, member of the senior choir and trustee board. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly Gathers and a son Charles Gathers. . Bro. Charles was united in holy matrimony with the late Essie Mae Loney Gathers. He leaves to cherish precious memories, three sons, Warren (Juanita) Gathers of Edison, NJ; Jerome (Anita) Gathers of Columbia, SC; Ronnie (Patricia) Gathers of Laurel, Md; and a daughter, Iris (Maurice) Streater of Darlington, SC, 11 grandchildren, 15 great- grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives and friends.