Charles Leon Isles

Deacon  Charles Lenon Isles was born June 4, 1935, in Friars Point, Mississippi. He was the second child born to John O. and Bernetta (Lyons) Isles. A few months later, the family relocated to Chicago, Illinois. Charles accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Range Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend King S. Range. The family eventually settled on the Southside of Chicago in the Bronzeville neighborhood, where Charles and his siblings had their formative years. Charles regaled everyone with stories of his childhood in Bronzeville that included childhood friendships with Sam Cooke, Nat and Freddy Cole, and Lou Rawls. Charles attended schools in the area, including Wendell Phillips High School. In his senior year of high school, the family purchased a home on Chicago’s Westside in the North Lawndale neighborhood. Charles eventually graduated from Manley Trade and Vocational High School in 1953. From 1953 through 1960, Charles served in the United States military in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Navy Reserve. It was during this time in 1955, in Pensacola, that he met Miss Johnnie Mae “Jackie” Stallworth, a young woman from Mobile, Alabama. After less than six months, the two joined in holy matrimony November 19, 1955, in Pensacola, Florida. Theirs was a short romance and a long, love story that lasted sixty-one years, ten months, and ten days. He served in a variety of locations, including Pensacola, New York, and Puerto Rico. After concluding his time in the military, Charles and his bride returned to his parents’ North Lawndale home. As a child, Charles spent years coming to Argo to spend time with his grandparents John and “Aunt” Jane Isles. After their passing, he spent summers visiting his older cousins Adeline Stokes and Willie Harvey and their families. He often recalled particularly fond memories of his cousins Erie, Cleo, Lady B, Myrtle, and Mike during his childhood years. As Charles and Jackie thought about becoming homeowners, Argo was the perfect choice. In 1962, they purchased a home from his cousins James and Myrtle Wilson. The house on 64th Street became their home, and for the next 55 years their home was a meeting place for their family, friends, and those of their children. Upon moving to Argo, Charles joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Nedical Porter. As a member of Shiloh, Charles participated in many church activities, including serving as a Sunday School teacher. Charles became a member of Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Wilbur Garrett. During this time, he rededicated his life to Christ through baptism in 1995. This new Christian-walk led to his involvement in church as a member of the senior choir, the men’s chorus, and Laymen. His greatest honor was being installed as a Deacon under the leadership of Reverend Nathaniel Randle, later serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board, and eventually being honored with the title Chairman Emeritus under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Randle. If you knew the Deacon, you knew he wore this title proudly. Chairman Emeritus Deacon Charles Isles remained a faithful, present, and active member of Antioch Baptist Church until his health failed. When he was no longer physically able to attend in person, he regularly tuned into service online. Charles was an active member of the Argo community for more than 60 years. During this time, he was a Boy Scout den leader, field trip driver for the Brownies and Girl Scouts, president of the Argo/Wharton PTO, supporter of the Old Timers Softball Club, and served as a commissioner for the Summit Park District. Moreover, Charles was also a Prince Hall (32o) and Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Elks, the Lion’s Club, and other organizations and social clubs, including the H&H Social Club. Charles loved to say that he entered the workforce starting with his paper route and then being an errand boy on the southside of Chicago. In addition to the military, Charles was employed by Illinois Central Railroad, Equifax, and DependOn. Like his father, he retired twice. In 1962, Charles and Jackie became parents to Louis. In 1968, their stillborn son Charles, Jr. was born. In 1972, their daughter Tonia Michele was born. In 1973, their daughter Lynnetta Marie was born. Charles was the last living member of his family of origin and was preceded in death by his parents, John O. and Bernetta and his siblings – John O. Jr., Barbara, and Maurice. He was also preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Jackie, from whom he was parted 2,987 days. Charles knew no strangers and was the life of the party. Years after the drinking and partying were over, he still believed in having a good time, joking, and enjoying life. He enjoyed his life, and on Friday, December 5, 2025, he transitioned into eternal life. Charles Lenon Isles leaves to celebrate his life and memory his children – Louis (Juana), Rukiya Michele, and Lynnetta (Keith); grandchildren – Aprile, Meshayla, Merrill “Trey”, Troy, and Kole; great granddaughter – Oliva; goddaughters – Brenda, Kim, June, and Erie; special “daughter” – Natashua; special “son” – Bamba Dione; special and devoted cousin – Rosalyn; devoted caregiver Marie; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and neighbors, including those in the Summit Senior Building and Antioch Baptist Church; including his “church children” and mentee Deacon Ricky and Sister Melissa Johnson, prayer partner Reverend Jeffrey Clemons, and his minister Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Randle.

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