Charles Christopher-Michael Evans

“...we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 Charles Christopher-Michael Evans, affectionately known as “Charlie” or “Chuck” by loved ones, transitioned from labor to reward on December 9, 2024, in Stockbridge, GA. He suffered a severe asthma attack after playing recreational basketball and tragically passed away due to medical treatment complications. Charlie was born to Maria I. Wooten-Evans and Charles F. Evans, in Newport News, VA on January 13, 1992. Although Charlie spent his early childhood years in both Newport News and Virginia Beach, Charlie considered Atlanta, home. He went to both middle and high school in Covington, GA. He started at Clements Middle School before progressing to Newton County High School. Eventually, he transferred to Alcovy High School when his sister began teaching there. While visiting his aunt in New Kent County, VA, Charlie attended a few basketball practices at New Kent High School. Dazzling the players and the coaches, Charlie was invited back to join a basketball team he would later affectionately refer to as his family. He transferred his junior year, and graduated from New Kent High School. Basketball became Charlie’s passion at the age of 5, leading him to win championships in both middle school and high school, and ultimately to college as a pre-med major and an NCAA Division 1 certified player. He walked on and earned a spot on the Men’s team at West Virginia University, as well as at East Tennessee State University. Charlie was a superior point guard, often exciting everyone with his game IQ, leadership—evident in his role as captain of the WVU practice squad—quickness, defensive skills, and, of course, his “handles.” Hence, “breaking ankles” like ‘AI’ (Allen Iverson) is why he was referred to as ‘Chuck’ and ‘Highlight’ on the court. Off the court, Charlie was an intellect, an innovator, a spiritual warrior, and a perfectionist. From a child, Charlie indulged in Animal Planet and The History Channel, instead of cartoons. He would sit for hours with Doritos (often licking the flavor off each chip to claim the bag) and strawberries, feeding his explorative yearning for knowledge. By 8, he could tell you about the pyramids or geckos, as if he had been on the planet for years. Trying to categorize Charlie as either creative or analytical would be futile, as he transcended boundaries in both realms. His journey into entrepreneurship began at age 20 as he was able to cater his need to mix creativity with wisdom, with his first company, “Outgoing Introverts.” His fashion line spoke to his larger than life personality and thought process, yet quiet nature. Each of his clothing designs contained embedded messages, including the logo - a hawk. The hawk, symbolizing "strength, freedom, sharp vision, intuition, and the ability to see beyond limitations," is also regarded spiritually as a "messenger, representing guidance, protection, and resilience." This symbolism mirrored the way Charlie lived his life. Charlie continued into manhood as an entrepreneur with his most recent company, “Evans & Penn,” named in homage to both his mother and father’s roots. Finding a new niche, Charlie was able to tap into his analytical nature and build wealth as he successfully traveled all over the East Coast and Texas as a Systems Engineer. He most recently landed his biggest contract with Walmart, which was scheduled to begin on January 5, of this year. Charlie's greatest achievement was not on the court, in a classroom, in creating a design, nor on a job site, however. With his name meaning “Strong, Christ-Like, Man of God,” Charlie’s greatest achievement was how he allowed God to use him as a spirit of truth, purpose, and LOVE in any life crossing his path. When Charlie entered a room, his presence instantly made you feel a connection to something higher than what the world pours into you. His touch, as he gave the best hugs, made you feel safe, and cherished. His smile warmed your heart leaving you no choice but to automatically return the gesture, instantly lifting your spirit. He moved freely, ensuring that everyone knew they were on his mind as he would pop-in or call, just to make sure. Charlie was a messenger, and even in his tragic passing, he left us an assignment. For some it may be to recognize God’s Love in one’s own self reflection and actualization. For us all, however, our assignment is simple, but dire. Seeking to perfect our allowance of God using us in how we treat others, is the ultimate assignment. This was an assignment that Charlie achieved with admirable ease as he journeyed in purpose. He was never satisfied with mediocrity, and continuously fought to give nothing short of his best. “I’m going to go harder today,” was echoed in not just his words, but his walk. Even in Charlie's own constant strive for perfection in his “purpose journey,” in God’s image, Charlie was already “perfect.” Charlie was the youngest of Lue Dossie’s ten grandchildren, but seemed to touch the most lives. He is survived by his mother, Maria Evans; father, Charles F. Evans; bonus dad, Walter J. Thomas; siblings, Chivonne Williams, Lindsey Evans, Jovon Thomas, Ciara Evans, Aaliyah Evans, and Shaun Evans; brother’s in Love, Lloyd Williams (Chivonne) and Michael Chambliss (Lindsey); nephews, Ryan Elliott/Reis Eli Battle (Chivonne), Andre Linden (Lindsey), Jadin James (Shenique), Daiking/Jayceon/Daijon/Alani (Jovon), and Oshin Ezekiel (Telaya); aunts, Filisty (Maurice) Etheridge, Donnette Williams, Delores Franklin, and Patricia (Kenneth) Williams; uncles Clay Tydyiee (Cathy) Wooten, Rozol (Mary) Abney, Jeffrey(Belinda) Stenson, Sherry Stenson, Michael (Kim) Robinson, Christopher (Marilyn) Evans, and Lepaul Evans; cousins Lange (Missy) Payne, Chavez (Tiffany) Payne, Jennifer Wooten, Michelle (Renard) McFarland, Brittney Abney-Smith, Ebony Taylor, Stephanie Abney, Shaniya (Sherry), Blake/Dylan/Mason (Jeffrey), Patrice/ Kenneth Young (Patricia), Baron Moore/Jaime Smith/Ebony Smith (Charlene), Don Evans/Latoya Evans/Kim Evans/Cory Franklin (Delores); second cousins (also considered his nieces and nephews), Joey/Vinnie (Lange), Lia/Kali (Chavez), Trinity/Tamara/Tori (Brittney), Skylar/Sevyn (Stephanie), and Penn (Michelle); Godmother, Margaret (Alfred) Walden; God sisters and brothers, Lelita Walden, Trena (Antoine) Burgess, Shenique (James) Mens-Smith, and Telaya Bacote; Godson, Oshin Ezekiel Bacote-Tucker (Telaya); grandmother Mattie Evans; several great aunts and uncles (the Penns) including Barbara Anne, Lorine, Lloyd, Donell, Thomas, Jeanette and much more, (the Stensons) Emma Stenson, Precious Stenson and much more; and a host of family, and friends who became family. Awaiting in Glory, Charlie has walked into the arms of his Great-Grandparents Lewis and Sally Penn; grandmothers, Lue Dossie Penn and Mae Helen Evans; grandfathers, William Stenson and Charles F. Evans, Sr.; and aunts Mary Alice and Charlene Moore. This list could go on, as Charlie would not want to forget anyone his eyes have gazed upon nor names that tickled his ears. If only your eyes, without your name, happen upon this page, know he loved you too. Well done Charlie. Well done. 💙 “His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant…” Matthew 25:23

Tributes

Charles Christopher-Michael Evans

January 13, 1992 - December 9, 2024