Carl Lester Skillern

Carl Lester Skillern was born September 2, 1956 to Willie Ted and Aldine Marie Skillern. Carl had the privilege of experiencing the wisdom and early rearing of grandparents, James and Elzadie Cox.

Carl graduated from Jefferson Davis High School, now known as Northside High School, in 1975 where he played and lettered in both football and baseball. He garnered a football scholarship and attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He confessed his faith in Christ under the leadership of the late Reverend J.J. Jones of St. Emanuel Baptist Church at an early age. Later, after spending time in Beaumont, Texas, and returning to Houston, he united with New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Carlton O. Sylvester, Sr. Carl attended faithfully and was called on to serve as speaker on various occasions. Carl became a member of the Israelites of God in 2021 under the leadership of Teacher, Jessie O’Neal and attended until his

health failed.

Carl was employed at various companies that included Big H Auto Auction, and Aramark, alongside his brother, Thomas Skillern. Later he worked as a truck driver for Jones Delivery, SMS Enterprises, and finally Penske Truck Leasing Rental company.

Carl was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019. He had cancer but cancer did not have him. He spent time in spiritual study and worship, physical fitness, attending family gatherings, Hardy Street events, visiting friends, leading a telephone ministry with the latest expert commentary on the MLB and the NFL. He also served as a volunteer with the Ryon Civic Club organization feeding the homeless and marginalized of Ryon’s Edition. “Bibby”, “Yaya”, “Hog #1”, and “Game”, as he was affectionately known, departed this life on December 13, 2024 under the watchful eyes of siblings and loved ones. God, who first blew the breath of life into him, graciously took that breath away.

Carl is preceded in death by parents and grandparents; brothers, Milton Skillern and Thomas

Aree Skillern.

He leaves to mourn his passing; sons, Carl Lester Skillern Jr., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Darius Lester Lewis of Beaumont, Texas; sisters, Shirley, Myrtle and Evelyn Skillern, all of Houston, Texas; brothers, Willie (Mary) of Houston, Texas; Elliot (Carmelia) of Arlington, Virginia; Maurice of Memphis,Tennessee, and Chelton (Lori) of Alvin, Texas; sister-in-law, Irma Politte of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Carl will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at New Hope Baptist Church, 5202 Chapman St., Houston, TX 77009. The funeral service will immediately follow from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The committal will follow services from 1:15 PM to 1:30 PM at Paradise Cemetery North, Houston, Texas 77088.