Charles Everett Ellerbe

Charles Everette Ellerbe was born on March 17, 1939, in Morven, North Carolina, to the late Daniel and Jettie Ellerbe. Raised in a loving Christian family, Charles gave his life to Christ at the age of twelve and was active in church throughout his life. A gifted athlete and swimmer, he lettered in both baseball and football at Bowman High School in Anson County. After graduating, Charles joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served both stateside and overseas as a Cryptographic Specialist in the field of telecommunications. His assignments took him to Lackland AFB in Texas, Francis E. Warren AFB in Wyoming, Scott AFB in Illinois, Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota, and Tachikawa AFB in Japan. After an honorable discharge, Charles moved to Washington, D.C., and began a long and impactful career with the U.S. Department of State. It was during his time at the State Department that Charles met the love of his life, Doris Joyner. They were married on September 24, 1963, and soon began their greatest adventure raising two daughters, Tracey and Tara. Together, they built a home filled with faith, discipline, love, and laughter in Washington, D.C., later relocating to Lanham and Mitchellville, Maryland. Charles’ intelligence, integrity, and calm demeanor led to assignments on the world stage, including the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization Conference held in Manila and the 24th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York. In 1973, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from the University of the District of Columbia, an achievement that reflected his unwavering belief in education and self-improvement. In 1972, Charles became a proud member of the Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in Landover, Maryland, continuing his lifelong commitment to excellence, leadership, and service. After over two decades with the State Department, Charles took early retirement in 1987 and began a second career as a Program Analyst for Prince George’s County Public Schools. There, he played an instrumental role in revamping outdated technology and redesigning programs that increased operational efficiency and many of those contributions are still in use today. Faith was central to Charles’ life and for more than 30 years, he and Doris were active members of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden under the leadership of Pastor John K. Jenkins. Charles served in the Men’s Ministry, and was an active member of the Marriage Ministry where he and his wife Doris mentored couples to marriage success. Additionally, Charles led transformative financial freedom seminars. Through his Financial Freedom classes, Charles helped hundreds of students manage their money by using sound biblical principles. His teachings gained national attention during the 2009 economic downturn with coverage by CNN, Fox News, and other outlets. Till this day, testimonies from former students pour in regarding the financial blessings they’ve received through his teachings. Charles was a lifelong learner and spiritual leader. He graduated from the Bible Institute and earned a Certificate in Ministry Leadership from Regent University. Charles also completed The Brothers in Discipleship (BID), a three year discipleship ministry for men 34+ focused on developing faithful, spiritually mature disciples. His ability to teach and encourage others to apply faith to their finances was widely regarded as his spiritual gift. In 2013, Charles and Doris embraced a new chapter in Fort Mill, South Carolina, joining the Sun City Carolina Lakes community. There, he poured his heart into the Renaissance Club and was especially passionate about the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. For several years, Charles delivered such stirring portrayals of Dr. King that many said they couldn’t distinguish his voice from the civil rights leader. Charles considered it an honor to have been entrusted to represent Dr. King. Charles and Doris joined New Beginnings Church under the leadership of Bishop-Designate Michael L. Henderson, where Charles continued to teach financial freedom and support others in their spiritual and personal growth. On July 13, 2025, Charles Everette Ellerbe passed away peacefully at The Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was 86 years old. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 61 years, Doris; his daughters, Tracey (Leroy) Ellerbe Lankford and Tara Ellerbe; his treasured granddaughter, Simone Reeder; his nieces, Leah Ramseur Wade and Rhonda Ramseur; and a host of extended family, friends, former colleagues, mentees, and loved ones. Charles was more than a husband, father, and grandfather, he was our anchor. A man of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering love, he lived with humility, purpose, and grace. His legacy is one of wisdom, service, faith, and love. He truly left the world better than he found it. And for that, we give all glory and praise to our Heavenly Father.

Charles Everett Ellerbe

March 17, 1939 - July 13, 2025

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