Edna Mae Charles' Obituary
EDNA MAE CHARLESJuly 15, 1923 ' July 15, 2012 July 15th, 1923 the sun rose and brought an earthly angel to beacon this world with more light than ever before seen. Mrs. Edna Mae (Landry) Charles was presented and born in Jeanrette, Louisiana to Sylviana “Johnson” Archield and Noe Landry. The third sister of eleven children, Edna Mae’s love for her heavenly father was apparent early on. She requested her mother allow her to take the highest vow of fellowship and become a nun, however being raised in the baptist tradition the ultimate power that is had other plans for his angel on earth. She was recorded and officially baptized; March 7th 1949.While born and raised in the bayou state of Louisiana, Edna met and married her child hood friend and love of her life; Leonard Charles Jr. on the date of November 16th, 1942. Through this vow of love and devotion their union begat 4 beautiful biological children; Sylvia Ann, Albirda Jean, Lavenia Nadine, and Leonard III. Wanting more opportunity and a chance for a better education for their offspring, Edna Mae and Shorty decided to move west to California, fall 1946. Unbeknownst to either they would garner their watch over three dependents not their own; her baby brother, Berwick Batiste, her baby sister, Clementine (Tina), and nephew, Alonzo Provost. In true Christian form Edna Mae welcomed the additions and never questioned the purpose.Already a wife, mother, sister, aunt, care provider, cook, house keeper, baker, and seamstress; Mrs. Charles also held her own in the house hold contributing to the family finances as an employee of the Fruitvale Cannery, and active member of the Western Conference of Teamsters. She participated in numerous campaigns. One of which was the Loyal Ladies, Brookfield Chapter. She was also a volunteer for the American Heart Association. She Served more than 4 decades knocking door to door requesting pledges, up until the point of her illness disabling her mobility. A faithful member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Oakland, CA for over 60 years, she served in the nursery ministry and also held the role of secretary for her Sunday school class.Although never taking the fellowship vow of nun, Edna Mae was more than a servant of her lord and savior. “Granny” to her community in true form and fashion. She fed the hungry, cared for the needy, and never turned a soul away from her door step. She was the matriarch to her family and community. Teaching her family how to love and honor God, develop a great work ethic, and to give back to those less fortunate.Edna Mae transitioned from earthly angel to heavenly angel July 15th, 2012. Edna Mae was preceded in death by: her mother Sylviana, her father Noe, her greatly adored step father Mr. John Batiste. Sisters; Aida, Odessa, Elizabeth, and Mercedes. Brothers; John, Boykin, and Beecher, and Daughter Sylvia Ann. Her legacy will be carried through her loving husband Leonard Charles Jr. Her beautiful Children; Albirda Rose-Eberhardt, Lavenia Charles and Leonard Charles III (Chelsea). Her amazing Grandchildren; Sheon Dell Slaughter, Sharrell Slaughter, Shannette Slaughter, William Rose III, Charles Anderson (Neha), Arnold Pouncy III (Lilebeth), Clarekia Charles-Young, Joshua Eberhardt, Leonard Charles IV, Aria Charles, Brandon Charles. Her adored great grand children; Scott Tilman II, Maia Tilman, Arnold Pouncy IV, Aakash Anderson, and one scheduled to make her debut in September, Leila Pouncy. Her loyal Sister, Clementine (Tina) and brother, Berwick Batiste. Surrogate grandchildren Sonja and Phillip Randolph and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
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