The Reverend Charles Lee Horton was born November 18, 1953 in Marshall County, Mississippi to the late Duff and Ida Mae Horton. He was the fourth child of six children. At an early age, Rev. Charles accepted Christ at Royal Chapel CME Church, 3 Way, Mississippi. He attended Sandflat High School, Mt. Pleasant, Mississippi and later earned his high school diploma with honors from Madison High School.
Rev. Charles was employed with Stovall Engineers for 21 years. He enjoyed traveling, family reunions, attending the wrestling matches, and watching his favorite football team, “The Dallas Cowboys.”
January 6, 1996, Rev. Charles acknowledged his call into the ministry from God at St. Paul AME Church (Memphis, TN). He said his bible opened up to the scriptures, “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” and I said, “Here am I, Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). He attended and completed his four years course of studies under the Board of Examiners of the West Tennessee African Methodist Episcopal Church and was ordained a Local Elder. Bishop Frederick H. Talbot ordained Rev. Charles L. Horton.
Rev. Charles, being an Associate Minister, labored alongside his wife, Rev. Dr. Verlie Horton until his health declined. Although, Rev. Charles’ health continued to decline, he vowed to hold up the blood stained banner until God called him home.
Rev. Charles did ministry alongside his wife, the Reverend Dr. Verlie Horton in the AME Church: Christ Tabernacle AME Church (the 13th District - West Tennessee Conference); St. Mark AME Church, Osceola; Bethel AME Church, Wynne and Bethel AME Church, West Memphis, where he assisted Pastor Larry M. Banks (the 12th District - Arkansas Conference).
At 69 years of age, Rev. Charles departed this life, Saturday, May 27, 2023. He is preceded in death by a sister (Velma Horton), a brother (James Arthur Horton), a daughter and granddaughter (Sharon and Telisha Horton) and a son (Charles Horton, Jr.).
He leaves to cherish his legacy and memories, a loving wife of 35 years, Rev. Dr. Verlie Horton; 3 daughters: Gladys D. Horton (Millington, TN), Carolyn D. Horton (Holly Springs, MS), Chasity N. Massey (Little Rock, AR); 1son: Alandras Massey (Memphis, TN); God-daughter: Chequita Snerling (Millington, TN); 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters: Francis (Gene) Jefferies (Holly Springs, MS), Ethel Horton and Della (Freddie) Banner; 2 sisters-in-laws: Lois D. Madison and Emma Taylor (Memphis, TN); 3 brothers-in-laws: Thurman (Mary) Bonds, Andrew (Robin) Bonds (Lawrence, Kansas), Jeremiah (Barbara) Maule (Bingham, AL); a favorite cousin: Willie J. Faulkner (Memphis, TN) and a host of family, relatives and friends.
