Donations for Charles Colbert's Jr. Memorial
Hi everyone
On Sunday June 20, Father's Day, my mom was called to identify the body of her dad.
My Grandpa Charles Colbert unexpectedly died on the Sabbath (Saturday) June 19, while visiting friends and family in Charlotte, NC. My mom, his daughter Michelle, is in the process of planning his memorial, a celebration of his life, to be held in Columbus, OH on July 11, 2021.
The death of her father, as I'm sure you can imagine, has shattered her world, especially as she had to identify his body on Father's Day. My mama is and will always be, a daddy's girl. I am doing my very best to support her while living on the other coast in Seattle, Washington. This GoFundMe is my small effort to help alleviate the financial burden she's carrying while navigating the loss of a parent. A pain I am not able to comprehend.
Unfortunately, Grandpa didn't have any insurance to help with the cost of the memorial service, cremation, several travels to Columbus, OH from Fayetteville, NC, and to Mississippi to gather Grandpa's things. My mama is also unsure if the urn is included in the cost of the cremation, so it's possible that's another expense. She would love to be able to afford musicians and to donate to the church where Grandpa's celebration will be held. We also know that she'll need to rent a U-haul, perhaps several times. She will also have to take unpaid leave as she just started a new job as an addiction counselor. Despite the stress, uncertainty, and the grief, Mom is set on making sure that his memorial is a celebration, and if you know her, you know how stubborn and persistent she is. If you don't know her, and you know me, imagine me but x10.
My Grandpa Charles was very committed to the community, and a devote Seventh Day Adventist. He spent so much of his time networking, advocating for access to education for the Black community, and was passionate about supporting and mentoring Black youth. He was instrumental in instituting basketball camps, taught sabbath school, and he believed in helping others succeed while taking a personal interest in their success. He gave what he had, and he was never bitter about it. Every handshake, dab, hug, came with a smile and that Midwestern niceness mixed with Southern hospitality -- sweet as tea.
Grandpa was a graduate of Central State University, an HBCU located in Wilberforce, OH. Grandpa maintained his connection to CSU and was a CSU National Alumni Board Member. He is also in the Central State University Hall of Fame (1990) and the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame (2008). Following in his steps, I also attended CSU for my undergraduate degree. And every homecoming, Grandpa visited and was always so proud to walk around campus with me making sure everyone knew I was his granddaughter.
All funds donated that exceed the amount needed to cover the costs of and preparing for Grandpa Charles' celebration of life service will be donated to Central State University in his memory.
For God.
For Central.
For State.
Grandpa leaves behind his sister, Rebecca Blackmon, children Michelle Clanton (Doug), Cherie Cora (Manuel), Charles Colbert III, Austin Williams, and Carlton Colbert, 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and host of extended family and lifelong friends.
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It would mean so much to me, if I could help raise this money for my mom. My mom graduated with her Masters in Addiction Counseling June 3, 2021, and began a new career as an addiction counselor just two weeks before Grandpa passed. I know she is doing her very best to honor her father with a service he deserves while trying to navigate grief, the unexpected financial strain of his passing, and a new job.
Thank you for reading, thank you for being here with us, and thank you for celebrating Grandpa's life with us.
All funds donated that exceed the amount needed to cover the costs of and preparing for Grandpa Charles' celebration of life service will be donated to Central State University in his memory.