Charles Edward Harper, affectionately known as “Honey-Chan” by his beloved late wife, and born Charles Robert Lee Jefferson, peacefully departed this life in the early morning hours of July 4, 2025, at Medstar Health Southern Maryland Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He resided in Clinton, Maryland for over 48 years. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and community pillar. Charles was a man of unwavering generosity, quiet wisdom,and boundless love.

Charles’ parents, the late Sarah (Jefferson) Harper and the late Harry Austin, cherished their son, born on December 9, 1935. He was lovingly adopted and raised by the late Samuel Henry Harper. From a young age, Charles demonstrated deep and abiding faith. He joined Union Hill Baptist Church early in life and remained a devoted member throughout the years. His spiritual life was marked by quiet strength, unwavering generosity, and a sincere love for the Lord.

A proud graduate of Carter G. Woodson High School, Charles completed his studies on June 7, 1955. A perennial student of life, he attended Virginia State College (now University), studying Liberal Arts. Charles was blessed with many artistic gifts. In his early years, he delighted in playing the harmonica, often joyously showcasing his skills flair. He played the trombone – a talent that would later be passed down to his great-granddaughter, Riley. Gifting his great granddaughter his beloved trombone as one of his last acts in life.

Bestowed with numerous instrumentalities including a beautiful singing voice. Charles loved to sing. He always believed his son, Charles J. Harper, inherited that musical talent. He was moved to discover that his great – granddaughter Riley also possessed a remarkable vice. It made Charles proud to see his musicality live on through the next generation’s voices, forging his legacy in song. His mother, Sarah, cherished his singing, especially when he performed her favorite hymn, “Milky White Way.”

Charles’ sense of duty matched his love of music. On November 26, 1957, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy, beginning a chapter marked by honor, service, and dedication. During his military service, Charles trained as an Aviation Electronics Technician (AT) from March to April 1958 and continued with specialized instruction in the Navy’s AT “A” School through November 1958. His training focused on maintaining and repairing advanced aircraft electrical and electronic systems. To earn an extra income, Charles took up barbering – a craft learned from his late uncle, John William, who gifted him his first pair of clippers. With humble beginnings, Charles began offering haircuts to fellow sailors. In doing so, he not only served his country with honor, but also served his shipmates with care. Building bonds and lifting morale one haircut at a time. Upon retiring from barbering, Charles passed the tradition on to his nephew, John Hall, who followed in the footsteps with a shared passion for the craft. To honor the legacy, Charles gifted him the very same clippers once given to him by their late Uncle John William – symbolizing the continuation of a cherished family tradition. His final military assignment was the prestigious Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56), known as the “Champions”, from which he received an Honorable Discharge on May 26, 1969.

A Working Man with a Giving Spirit After retiring from the Navy, Charles continued his hard-working lifestyle. He took on a night stock clerk position at Safeway, later became a manager until his retirement with over 30+ years of services. Concurrently with his Safeway job, he served as the Assisting property manager of Jefferson Village Apartments, in Alexandria, Virginia. There, he partnered with Mr. L. Meekins to run a beloved mom-and-pop convenience store on Oronoco Street. Later he became the property manager at Pendleton Park Apartments, where his impact on the community was profound.

Charles moved his family to Clinton, Maryland, in 1977, where he became the heartbeat of Bolero Court – long before the term “Neighbor Watch” was coined. Known for his vigilance, kindness, and resourcefulness, Charles ensured everyone’s lawn was trimmed and edged, snow was shoveled, and spirits were lifted – often with a towering six-foot snowman built by a man barely 5’6”, perched atop a ladder. His legendary snowmen, stubborn against the thaw, often lingered well into spring. One of his cherished traditions came every New Year’s Day, when he would knock on each neighbor’s door, insisting a man be the first to cross their threshold-believing it would bring luck for the year ahead.

He never let anything go to waste. When food was offered at Safeway, he brought home items to share with his Virginia and Bolero Court community, who would eagerly gather eggs, milk, bread, and meat for free. The children, in return for helping to keep the grounds clean around Pendleton Park, were reward with sweet treats from the convenience store, especially ice cream. He made dandelion wine each spring, crafted homegrown cold remedies, such as coltsfoot leaves brewed into teas for any cold symptoms. Create compost for his garden and always had an answer – or a tool – for nearly every need. His garage was a haven of spare parts, gadgets, and solutions.

A man of deep, quiet faith, Charles loved God, was a faithful believer, and found joy in the simple routines that gave life meaning. In his final days, he honored his late wife by sitting in her favorite window, watching the birds, squirrels, and neighborhood children. He faithfully fed the animals every morning, surrounded by a flock that knew his kindness. Charles was also known to engage with everyone – from all faiths, construction workers, postmasters, and trash collectors – offering cold water and warm conversation.

He was known,remembered, and cherished by all who crossed his path.

Charles Edward Harper leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and community. He is survived by Children: Kiyomi D. Harper, Charles Jefferson Harper, Nina Pompey (Anthony) Grandchildren: Mayumi Brewster (Tremaine), Naomi Owens (Jordan), Khalil Pettus, Amaya Bullock, Lael Bullock, Najee Fuller and Basir Fuller. Great-Grandchildren: Kyri Brewster, Riley Brewster, Jaleel Owens, Keiko Owens, Malachi Puller, Mason Puller, Christian Puller, and Xavier Puller. Sister: Minister Martha Hall (the late Johnny) Nieces and Nephews: Chiquita Hall-Kyle, Debra A. Agnew (Fonzie), John W. Hall (India). He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, lifelong friends, family and Fur-baby Kobe-Chan Charles will be remembered for his generous heart, the unforgettable stories he shared from his childhood and Navy days, his creativity and resourcefulness – and above all, the boundless love he gave so freely to everyone blessed to know him.

In the words of his favorite hymn, Milky White Way: “I’m gonna meet my loved ones, On that milky white way, oh Lord, Some of these days. I’m gonne meet God the Father and God the Son, Yes Lord, on that milky white way, Some of these days. Well,well, well.”

And now, we can say with peace and certainty – Charles has taken that journey. He is walking that milky white way, reunited with his loved ones, and resting in the presence of the Lord.