Charles Edward Mayes

CHARLES EDWARD MAYES-- born on July 23, 1936 in Newark, New Jersey to the late Charles and Maggie Mayes.  Affectionately known as “Shoes”, “Charlie,” & “Pop” to family and friends, they know him to be a devoted husband and loving father.  The Lord called Charles home on Saturday, February 13, 2021.

Charles received his formal education through the Newark Public School System.  He graduated from Newark’s Arts High School in 1956, where he pursued his love of art. 

At the age of nineteen, he met the love of his life— Phyllis.  After seeing her at the High Street Y, they courted for four years.  Charles and Phyllis united in marriage on October 3, 1959 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.  Their union would produce three sons: Charles, Craig, and Dennis Mayes.  After the 1967 Newark riots, Charles and Phyllis decided to move their young family to Linden, NJ where they resided for the past fifty-three years.

Charles held a strong work ethic and believed in hard work.  As a young teenager, he worked bagging groceries and delivering ice blocks to his community.  To support his young family, Charles worked as a printer with Ariston in Hillside, New Jersey.  Shortly thereafter, Charles embarked on his journey as an independent carpenter.  He did this for over thirty years.  Charles decided to begin working at Edison Job Corps, where he taught at-risk youth carpentry skills and operated as head of maintenance until his retirement in his early seventies. 

Charles led a full, vivacious life.   In his youth, he gained a black belt in karate. Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Antique Roadshow & This Old House.  Some of his favorite past times include spending time with his family in his backyard and garage; driving classic cars; and visiting flea markets on a Sunday morning.   Also, he was an established prestidigitator. 

He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis A. Mayes; parents, Charles & Maggie Mayes; sisters, Johnnie Mayes and Betty Hicklin; daughter-in-law, Terry Mayes; and grandson, Chuckie Mayes.

He leaves behind to treasure his memory-- Brothers: Bobby Mayes (wife, Ann Mayes) and Welborn Lamar Salaam; Sons: Charles E. Mayes III (wife, Norlisa Mayes), Craig S. Mayes, and Dennis L. Mayes (wife, Arlyn Mayes), foster daughter: Shanice Ennis (husband, Jon-Michael); grandchildren: Patrice West (husband, Chip), Dennis “Dee-Jay” Mayes Jr., Michael J. Mayes, Jessica Mayes, Amber Mayes, and Ryan Sampson; great-grandchildren: David Mayes, Gwen Mayes, Elias Jayden Mayes, Zoe West, and Essaiah Justice Mayes; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

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