Obituary

Charles Mathers, Sr.

December 6, 1946 - August 3, 2026

Elder Charles Mathers. Sr. was born on December 6, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and peacefully entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the age of 79 at University Health Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

Charles graduated from Washington Parish High School. After graduation, he received a basketball scholarship to Prentiss Institute, a private Historically Black College (HBCU) in Mississippi. He later settled in Franklinton, Louisiana, where he became well known as an outstanding basketball player, a skilled cement finisher, and a talented mechanic. Whether on the basketball court, at a job site, or repairing cars, Charles was respected for his dedication and strong work ethic.

On August 18, 1969, Charles married the love of his life, Olene Gatlin. Their loving union was blessed with six children. Together, they also opened their hearts and home through the adoption of three children.

After accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, Charles devoted his life to serving God's Kingdom. He served as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at Mt. Zion Church of Christ Holiness (U.S.A.). He later continued serving in those same roles at Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness (U.S.A.).

In 2003, under the leadership of the late Pastor Elder Washington E. Drake, Charles answered the call to ministry. He preached his first sermon, titled "Quicksand." His message was simple yet powerful: "Sin is like quicksand—the more you wiggle in sin, the deeper you sink." He continued in ministry, sharing the Gospel and serving God's people.

After relocating to San Antonio, Texas, Charles continued his journey in ministry. He was ordained and consecrated under the leadership of Bishop Clifton Collins of Whole Life Christian Church. During this time, he began pastoring Amazing Grace Church. After completing his pastoral service at Amazing Grace Church, Charles continued his membership at Whole Life Christian Church until joining the leadership of the late Archbishop Gradey Morris and Pastor Bishop Juanita Morris. He later served as Senior Elder and Sunday School Superintendent until the Lord called him home.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of nearly 57 years, Olene Mathers; his children: Tracy Mathers; Cassandra (Shannon) Levy; Charles Mathers Jr.; Skylin Ariana (Michael) Pyles; Jeremiah Mathers; Dorcas (Robert) Magee; Mykah Mathers; Treyvon Mathers; and Zaria Mathers; his two sisters, Gail (Curtis) Payton and Deborah Garrett; 21 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Willie Mae Mathers; three brothers, Lester Mathers, Sam Mathers, and Bobby Garrett; two sisters, Willie Marie Johnson and Annie Mae Shaw; his beloved grandmothers, Anna Bell and Marie Garrett; and all others who welcomed him into his eternal home.

Charles will be remembered for his love for his family, his servant's heart, and his commitment to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the ministry to which he devoted himself. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will remain in the hearts of his family and all who knew and loved him.

Services were held on August 14, 2026 at Christian World Ministries in San Antonio, TX.