"Shine in heaven grandpa it has been a long time since I have saw you but I never forgot about you when I was little my same Diego trips were always fun I love you all ??????"
In loving memory of
Charles Robertson
August 27, 1939 - December 30, 2021
On August 27, 1939, Charles Robertson was born in Calvert, Texas, to Robert and Daisie Robertson. He was the youngest of three siblings; his oldest brother, Paul Bryant, and his middle brother, Algie Robertson. In 1941, the family relocated to San Diego, California, and Robert began working at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside. Charles grew up in Linda Vista and graduated from Kearney High School. He later completed a CNA course at Mesa College, and would work as a Nurse's Assistant for twenty years. However, shortly after finishing his program at Mesa, he enlisted in the Army Branch of the US Military at the age of 24 in 1963 and was sent to Germany after bootcamp. Upon his return to San Diego, he worked at Sharp Hospital, San Diego Community Hospital, and several nursing homes. He had a slight shift in careers and began working for Kelco and then Monsanto in the late 80s and early-mid 90s. Prior to his retirement in 2009, Charles worked for VA Hospital for 10 years.
In 1975, Charles met and married Johnnie ("Hurumia"), and to this union they had Aziza. Charles also had a son from a previous marriage: Charles Jr.
A major part of Charles' life was his faith. He spent much of his childhood at Second Baptist Church in Linda Vista, a church that his mother was a founding member of and served faithfully for many years. In 1987, Charles became a member of St. Stephen's Cathedral COGIC, where he continued to cultivate his relationship with the Lord.
Charles was known for his bright smile and warm personality, sharing encouraging words and his faith in the Lord with whomever he came into contact. Having a servant's heart, his greatest and fulfilling reward was when he was appointed a Deacon in his church, St. Stephen's Cathedral, by his Pastor, the late Bishop George D. McKinney, a role he never took lightly and loved to fulfill. He served faithfully as a deacon until his health began to decline in 2010. However, Deacon Charles' desire to share the love of the Lord was not halted. Though he spent a lot of time in the hospital and various nursing homes while experiencing health challenges, he never let that stop him from being a friend to others and truly embodying Christ's message of love.
For many years Deacon Charles, along with his faithful wife, Hurumia and daughter, Aziza, participated in the renown African American play, "Our Living Heritage." He portrayed the character of "Uncle Tom". He brought to us the fact that Uncle Tom was not a bumbling, shuffling unlearned Black man, but a learned Black man, a preacher, author and underground railroad participant - a man of integrity and loyalty, he dined with the Queen of England. In truth, the character of Deacon Charles and "Uncle Tom" had much in common. "Uncle Tom" was a man of distinction and honor and so was Deacon Charles Robertson.
Deacon Charles Robertson transitioned in the VA Hospital on December 30, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Daisie Robertson, as well as his brothers, Paul Bryant and Algie Robertson. His memory lives on through his wife of 46 years, Johnnie ("Hurumia"), his daughter, Aziza, his son, Charles Jr., his granddaughter, Alondra, great-granddaughter Anecia, great-grandson, Ky'Rie, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.