September 19 1929 June 16 2019
Charles’ Obituary Charles Junious Wilson, 89, of Philadelphia, PA passed away June 16, 2019. Charles was born on September 19, 1929 in Chester County, PA to Claude (Buddy) and Marjorie Wilson (deceased). Buddy’s life mission for the love of family and community, respect for nature and love of God was implanted in his children through hosting many family dinner parties and the creation of a community group called the “Rangers” which fostered their independent spirits, desire for exploration and social development. Marjorie instilled the importance of education in both of her children, Charles and Jackie, at an early age, recognizing the power of education to change one’s life. Marjorie, in her own rite, defied the odds of a black woman during the pre-civil rights era through education by attending Cheyney Normal School in Philadelphia, PA and obtaining her three-year teaching certificate going on to teach math and science at John Adams Middle School in Coatesville, PA. She would later go on to receive her four-year teaching degree in 1956 from West Chester University. Education would follow Charles for the rest of his life. He graduated from Scott Senior High School in Coatesville, PA in 1948. Afterwards, he would attend University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies in 1952. He then would follow in his mother’s footsteps becoming an educator teaching history at Vaux Junior High School in Philadelphia, PA and later becoming Assistant Principal at Tilden Middle School in Philadelphia. Recognizing the power of education to change one’s life, Charles received his Master’s degree at Penn State University in Education Administration in 1972. With his Master’s in hand and having completed all course work toward his Doctorate, Charles would become the first black Principal at Pleasantville Middle School in Pleasantville, NJ. He concluded his lifelong career as the Department Director of Education at the Graterford State Correctional Facility in Graterford, PA. A childhood friend of Charles’ oldest daughter (Joy) best articulates Buddy’s influence on Charles throughout his life by stating, “Charles was as God made him and I remember him – strong, charismatic, and a man determined to experience life on his own terms”. Yes, Charles truly lived his life to the fullest. He was an athlete and an avid swimmer. Teaching beyond the books, he worked as a life guard in the summers and coached basketball and soccer during the school year. He was a musician, self-taught on the trumpet (taking professional lessons in his 80s). Charles was a great tenor, singing in the men’s choir in Philadelphia and the Redeemer Moravian Church choir in Philadelphia where he was a founding/charter member. He was an outdoors man that enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan and a season ticket holder for over 55 years. Charles is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Wilson, three step daughters, Margie, Carol, and Claudette. He is also survived by his sister Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Wilson, great niece Jhanalyn Blount and host of cousins. Charles’ pride and joy are also the legacy he leaves behind. Charles would instill the same values instilled in him by his parents in his children and grandchildren. The apple of his eye were his two daughters Marlene (Joy) Taylor (Michael Koonce) and Charlene Wilson-Congo (Kevin) born from Laura Mae Wilson of Coatesville, PA. His grandchildren Lauren Congo, Lena Dailey (Justin), Amber Taylor, and Jesse Congo (Blythe), and his great-grandchildren Laura Congo, Aaron Bell, and Elijah Dailey. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Charles J Wilson September 19 1929 June 16 2019.
Death notice for the town of: West Chester, state: Pennsylvania