Charles Frederick Lemon Sr.

Charles Frederick Lemon, Sr. was born on May 9, 1945 to the late Ludier Lemon and Fannie Robinson (nee). He ascended into the presence of the Lord on May 28, 2017. Educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. Charles attended Elementary School #138 in Baltimore, Maryland where he met life-long friends Glenn Dorsey and Doris Dill. Doris' mother, Ms. Alice Dill knew him as a child in the neighborhood dressed up in his cowboy outfit, greeting her with a resounding, 'Howdy Mam!" They remained close until her death at the age of 93. By his eighteenth year, he had become an (extra-legal) adopted son of Mrs. Pattie O. Dorsey and brother to childhood, and life-long friend Glenn Dorsey. He thereby, inherited a second family with two brothers and two sisters (James Dorsey, Mary Dorsey, Edith Hinton, and Glenn Dorsey), an aunt (Willa Mae Cain), a grandmother (Annie Wynn), and cousins, nieces and nephews. Lemon (as Glenn's family called him) was graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in 1964 in the same graduating class as his future wife Dorothy Dingle. He attended Morgan State University for one year and left to go to work at the Bethlehem Steel Company in Baltimore. On February 11, 1966, Charles was united in holy matrimony with Dorothy. They were blessed with two children: Charles Jr. and Adrienne. As a member of Dorothy's family, Charles grew to admire the leadership and selflessness of his mother-in-law, Ms. Louis Harghett. He witnessed her Christ-centered life and sought to honor her in every way he could. A strong-willed individual from childhood, Lemon did not give up easily and was seldom swayed from any decision he had reached. He was a passionate competitor. No matter the activity, he strove to master it. From his early ears in elementary school and throughout his public school years, he was an "A" student who strove to develop his mind and master the academics. In physically or intellectually challenging sports and games, whether hw played pinochle, chess, or ping pong; ran track or cross-country; wrestled in high school or in the Marines; he put in the time, effort, and practice to perfect his skill and optimize his performance. His ultimate goal was to compete at the highest level and become a champion. During the early years of his marriage, Charles worked for the railroad, was a police officer, driving instructor, and cab driver-often working two jobs at a time. In 1973, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he excelled. Offered the opportunity to attend officers' candidate school, he declined because it would have required long-term separation from his family. He chose instead to become a Drill Instructor and rose quickly in rank, becoming a Staff Sergeant in less than four years (a rank which normally took seven years to achieve). On every job, in every position he held, he was rapidly promoted. In December, 1978, Charles applied for and received an appointment as a Youth Supervisor in the Department of Juvenile Services. As a result of his intelligence, dedication and excellent job performance, he atained the position of superintendent in less than ten years. In 1987 he married Vernell James. Although they had many happy years together, their marriage ended in 1999. In 1999, Charles created and meticulously developed the "CFL RECRUITS," a very structured, physical, academic, leadership training program. Its mission was to "develop the minds and bodies of youngsters (ages 6 through 14) so as to develop their leadership potential." During the summers of 1999, 2000, and 2001, he implemented the program for the children of family and friends. In later years with the onset of diabetes, Charles lost his sight. Subsequently, he participated in a state training program for the visually impaired and was able to maintain his independence for several years despite the disability. His health steadily declining, Charles became dependent upon daily, evening visits by his son Charlie for assistance, and eventually decided in 2008 to enter Manor Care Nursing Home. There, on October 19, 2009, Charles received the plan of salvation from Dr. Ernest and Brenda Sewell and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Later, he moved to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in St. Mary's County, where he remained until he went home to be with his Lord. Charles leaves to cherish his memory: three children, Charles Lemon, Jr. (Yvonne), Adrienne Robinson (Marvin), and Aaron Lemon; grandsons: Corey Robinson, Justin Robinson, Jerrod Lemon, Jeremy Robinson, and Ra Lemon; cousin (Ophelia Wormley), brother Glenn Dorsey, sister Edith Hinton, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; life-long friends: Doris McCleod and Tandra Hunter-Payne (Robert).

Tributes

Charles Frederick Lemon Sr.

May 9, 1945 - May 28, 2017