Charles Sterling

Charles Sterling was born in Waco, Texas, on January 9, 1947, to Marvin “Pep” Sterling and Addie (Jackson) Sterling. He passed away on March 5, 2020, at the VA Medical Center in Temple, Texas, after an illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Addie; his brother Alvin “Joe Boy” Sterling; and his sister, Marva Sterling.

Charles grew up in Satin, Texas, before spending his formative years in Lubbock, Texas, graduating from Dunbar High School in 1965. He accepted Christ at an early age, becoming an active member of Bethel AME in Lubbock, and later in life, joining St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Waco.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He enjoyed traveling during his service, experiencing different cultures in Japan, Korea, and Canada. While stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Maine, he met Mildred Washington on a blind date. The two were joined in holy matrimony on April 26, 1969. To this union, three children were born.

After completing his military service, Charles moved his family to Golinda, Texas, where he raised cattle and hogs, appreciating the quiet serenity of country life. He graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in sociology from Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, and began his career in social work. He served as a juvenile probation officer and a caseworker for Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services. He retired in 2007, having dedicated himself to improving life for at-risk youth, abused children, and neglected seniors.

In retirement, Charles enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching the Dallas Cowboys, listening to his extensive music collection, and traveling to visit family. He would often sit on his front porch, entertaining visitors, playing dominoes, or just enjoying a cool breeze.

Charles Sterling was a well-loved and respected man who always told it like it is. People often sought out his advice and relied on his wealth of knowledge. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his firm handshake, and his famous sayings. He is gone, but he certainly will not be forgotten by the many lives he touched.

Charles leaves his devoted wife of 50 years, Mildred (Washington) Sterling, of Golinda; his son, Jason (Nicole) Sterling, of Golinda; his two daughters, Anika Sterling of Golinda and Ra Shaunda Sterling of Laurel, Maryland; his granddaughter Jaylah Sterling and grandson Jayden “PawPaw’s Boy” Sterling, both of Golinda; his sister, Patsy Farley, and brother Michael (Belinda) Sterling, both of Houston; sisters-in-law Christa Washington of Waco, and Ella (Charles) Jackson, of Houston; brothers-in-law Alvin Washington of Houston, Raymond (Arnette) Washington of Golinda, and Martin Washington of Houston; cousin Doris Marshall of Satin, Texas; aunt Ellie B. Taylor of Houston; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended grandchildren, and friends.