Mr. Charles Lee Jasper

Charles Lee Jasper was born on February 18, 1932, in Amelia County, Virginia, to the late Landon and Leona Jasper. He was educated in the Amelia County School System and graduated from Russell Grove High School in 1949. From an early age, Charles was deeply devoted to his faith. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at Liberty Baptist Church. His love for the Chula community was profound, and he made it a priority to stay connected by attending church revivals, pastor anniversaries, and other community gatherings, always cherishing the memories and relationships he built. After high school, Charles joined the United States Army to build a future for himself and his family. He served as a draftsman for the Artillery Center in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, during the Korean War. For his service, he was awarded the Korean Medal with three Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon completing his military service in 1953, Charles met the love of his life, Mary Jasper. They were united in marriage on May 29, 1955, at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church on Catherine Street by the late Reverend B.T. Starkes. Together, they built a life centered on faith, service, and love. They enjoyed making fresh honey, pear preserves, and fruitcakes—thoughtful gifts shared with loved ones during the holidays. Charles also made the most delicious spoon bread, a favorite among family and friends. Their love was expressed through warm home-cooked meals and fellowship over coffee and pastries. Shortly after leaving the military, Charles joined Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, where he became an integral part of the congregation. In 1964, he was ordained as a Deacon and later became Chairman of the Deacon Board, faithfully serving until his transition. He also served as a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, President of the Missionary Ministry, member of the Male Chorus, and church van driver. Mt. Hermon was his second home, and its members were his extended family. He took great pride in knowing the church’s history and played a key role in its operations, including assisting with Sunday collections. He was well known at the local bank, where he routinely handled church deposits, and his visits were always met with warm greetings. Even in his final days, he was still asking, “Who’s going to get the bank bag?” His dedication and presence for 70+ years made him a pillar of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, where he was deeply loved and respected by his Pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Fisher and Church Family. Charles was also a proud and longtime member of the Trinity Masonic Lodge, where he served as Chaplain. Following his military career, Charles worked as a Supervisor of Operations at the Defense General Supply Center, retiring after more than 30 years of service. However, retirement did not slow him down. He continued working for the City of Richmond as a school bus driver before retiring once more. In his free time, Charles enjoyed gathering for weekly breakfast with his dear friend Larnell and others at Shoney’s or Golden Corral, where they were well known by the staff. Their visits would begin at breakfast and often continue through lunch. He was also a skilled dominoes and checkers player, known for his winning streaks and competitive spirit. Above all, Charles was a devoted family man. Though soft-spoken, when he spoke, everyone listened. He led by example, showing that “love is an action word.” He is survived by his beloved granddaughters, Cynthia Freeman-Gunn (Leon Dowdy), whom he took great pride in raising from a young age, and Misty Simms. His great-grandchildren, Jakuise (Steven) Miller, Ci’Nease Freeman (were especially dear to him, and he played an active role in their lives), Jordan Watson and Wuan Shields, Jr. He was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren, including U. S. Sailor Seaman Apprentice, RaShon Venable, Jr., MyKhai Miller, Cayden Miller, and Amir Watson. Charles shared a very special bond with RaShon, personally driving him to daycare and bringing him to church services as a young child, always ensuring he was close. He was incredibly proud of his enlistment in the military. In addition, he is survived by his daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Simms. Charles also found joy in the lives of his nieces and nephews, treating them as his own: Leroy Jasper (Betty), Arthur Jasper (Doretha), Jacqueline Kearney, Kenneth Jasper (Yolanda), Evangeline Clark (Darryl), Maude Freeman, John Freeman and devoted niece Kristina I. M. Jasper. He shared a close bond with Bernard Freeman (Loraine) and special friends Larnell Lawrence and Henry Wilson. Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Simms Jasper; his son, Merrill Simms; his uncle, Joe Bannister; and his brothers, William Jasper, Monroe Jasper, Ecclesiastes Jasper, and Shirley Jasper. To know Charles was to love him. He never met a stranger, and he was affectionately known as “Grandpa” to many. He had a strong-willed personality and lived by the principle, “I say my peace, and you say yours.” His wit, humor, and unwavering faith made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He lived his life by the words of Ephesians 4:2-3: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Charles Lee Jasper departed this life on February 13, 2025. His legacy of love, patience, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished him.

Tributes

Mr. Charles Lee Jasper

February 18, 1932 - February 13, 2025