Widner Charles was born of Andre and Berthilde Joseph on February 2, 1946, in La Gonave, Haiti. He was raised in La Gonave, Leogane, Port Au Prince, Haiti.

Charles graduated from Catholic School-Frere De LInstruction Christian School. After high school, he attended and graduated from National Technical College in California, where he learned and became licensed in air conditioning and refrigeration. Charles went to New York on December 16, 1980, where he worked as a factory worker for five years. He then began driving as a licensed New York City taxi driver for twenty years. Charles met his loving wife, Alice, on November 14, 1982. They were married on November 29, 1985. These two became devoted to one another in everything they did. They purchased houses and worked together on "do it yourself" projects. They even worked on several cars and repaired them by hand, piece by piece. He worked and she was his able assistant. They began a Christian day care center called, "Charles Child Care, Inc." in September of 1987. Their first granddaughter, Taniqua, whom he affectionately called, "Muff-Muff" was one of the first students to attend.

In 1999, Charles was proud to become and United States citizen. In addition to working hard, and driving fast, but safely (LOL) as a taxi driver, Charles managed to landscape all of their beautiful gardens along with his wife, Alice. They grew gorgeous plants as well as fruits and vegetables. Charles loved sports. As a child, he was a good soccer player, The New York Jets was his favorite team; "Go Gang Green!" He became an avid sports fan due to his son, James. He was a singer and was a member of the choir and sang like a "nightingale". He eloquently sang in creole to many people, "Bon Fete" (happy birthday). He was fluent in three languages: French, Spanish, and English, his native Haitian creole dialect. His family enjoyed his great culinary expertise which included "Djon Djon" rice, as well as spaghetti and meatballs. He loved to watch television and his wife purchased a movie projection screen for his viewing pleasure. His favorite programs besides sports were, "CNN", "MSNBC", "Shark Tank", "Mike and Molly", as well as the "Maury Show". He and his daughter, Towanna, watched Maury together. His wife began writing a book until her health declined. They were so united that Charles completed the book, had it published and had a book signing at Barnes & Noble. The book is called "A View From the Pew". Charles was a very quiet, thoughtful man of God! He had a quick wit and funny sense of humor. His mantra was, "to say what he meant and mean what he said!" He was knowledgeable and handy around the house. After the passing of his wife, he volunteered at the River of Life Church pantry and was a landscaper at the Resurrection Catholic Church grounds. Most of all, Charles was a devoted Christian, and a loving husband to his wife of 28 years until she passed on May 4, 2013. Patriarch Charles, dad, grandpa, GG Charles, has left a legacy of love for family and friends and will be truly missed.

He leaves to cherish his memory, son, James Henry Thorpe IV; daughters, Esther Towanna Hawkins, and Maggie Charles; son-in-love, Edward Hawkins; eight grandchildren, Taniqua, Zachery (Shekiter), Spencer, Karina, James V (Meghan), Stephan, Chelsea, and August; sister, Ghislaine (deceased); brother, Yves; eight great grandchildren, Marcus, Elijah, Londyn, Raelyn, Nina, Zavier, James VI, and Joel; eight sisters-in-law, Christine, Mary (Mike), Pat (John), Joanne, Ellen, Belinda (Greg), Chareen (Vivian), Noreen and Pam; deceased brothers-in-law, Spencer, Issac, Charles, Jr., Ezell, and Oliver; four godchildren, Natosha, Terrence, Nadine, and Tink (deceased); special daughters, Adarine, Aimee, Candace, Charisse, Dina (her "Daddy Charles), Leslie, Michelle, Shantel, Terrie, and his friend, Yvette; neighbors and friends, Julio and Hilda, Ishtvan, "Papas Pals"-Darcy; special family and friends, cousins, Delanda, Antoinette, Carolle, Tati, Jerome and Charmaine, Nancy and Nikki, Stan and Mary (Peaches), Burgos, Stennett, Wilder, Williams, Smith, Holmes, Lewis, Jones, Smalls, and Gonzalez families and a host of family and friends, as well as his cat, Suzie. Thank you to the Resurrection Catholic Church, Love First Christian Center, and Pilgrim Assemblies for your continued prayers support.

II Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing."

Aikens Funeral Home

Resurrection Catholic Church