Charles R. Payton

Charles R. Payton passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024. He was born to the late Mercedes Payton and the late Benjamin Payton on December 18, 1954. Charles was educated in Catholic schools (Assumption and Mackin) from grades 1-11 and graduated from Ballou Senior High School in 1973. He went on to attend Bowie State University (BSU) from 1973-1977. While attending BSU, Charles played football, pledged Kappa Alpha PSI, and went over in April 1976. He was an athlete, avid roller skater, and ice skater during his younger years. Charles was a man of integrity who loved his family. He had a meticulous love for his beloved daughter Monique who he affectionately called "Mo." Charles took great pride in showing her the road map for the journey through life, based on the wisdom that he obtained over the years. Charles' greatest joy could be found in the triumphs, big and small of Monique. He was committed to fatherhood, self-discipline, delayed gratification, being financially responsible, and having his life affairs in order, as his legacy was extremely important to him. Charles passed away, leaving many memories of his devoted parental love for Monique to hold dear to her heart. Many times parents may not think that their children are listening because children may not move as fast as parents would like at times. However, Monique has shown up and shown out. Monique took great care of Charles and worked closely with his medical team until his passing, while still pursuing her goals, and continuing to care for Roxy. Needless to say, all of the blood, sweat, and tears that Charles invested in Monique to ensure that she understood his parental assignments when her name was called were not in vein. Charles was also a dog lover. Many times, people who were close to him had running jokes about the love affair that he had with his current dog Roxy. He spoke to Roxy in such a loving and caring manner that close friends would mistake Roxy for a person in the house to later learn that he was talking to the dog. Hence, to all the dog lovers, whenever you think about Charles, give your dog an extra treat in loving memory of him. In addition to loving his daughter and dog,, Charles was an "Infamous Do It Yourself Project Manager." He had a love and passion for doing home and yard improvement projects of all sizes. You could always count on him to give you the latest updates on a new project that he had finished in his home that he shared with Monique. His follow-up statement would always be, "You must come and see this one," as he proceeded to tell you about the next upcoming project. Despite the bouts of darkness that Charles encountered in his life, he was a spiritual man who always managed to realign with his creator and purpose in life and find his way back to the light. After realizing that he was a beacon of light for many individuals who were still caught up in the grips of darkness, Charles dedicated his life and career to instilling hope, provoking motivation, and offering an active listening ear, encouragement, and support to the adolescents and adults that he was was committed to serving for many years. Charles was given an opportunity to live two lives in one lifetime, which was a blessing! As a result, he gained a second family during his journey who also loved him dearly. Charles inspired many people that he encountered personally and professionally with his serenity, courage, tenacity, fortitude, perseverance, sticktoittiveness, and determination. In 2023, after working for many years restoring communities, one person at a time, Charles retired from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency. Charles battled with many medical challenges over the years and never complained. Instead, he continued to put one foot in front of the other, led by example, asked many questions when he was unsure, set and accomplished several goals, fought the good fight all the way to the end, and won! Hence, he can rest now knowing that Monique understood his assignments. Charles leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love and support for his daughter Monique M. Minor, dog Roxy Payton, and a host of close friends.

Tributes

Charles R. Payton

December 18, 1954 - October 9, 2024