CHARLES W. NORTHERN

June 11, 1931 - Aug. 11, 2007
SOUTH BEND - Charles Wiley Northern, 76, was born in Jackson, TN, on June 11, 1931, to the late Ellen (Cobb) and Eugene Northern, and to this union six children were born. Betty Lawrence and Arthur Charles both preceded him in death.

He later moved to South Bend where he grew up and graduated from Central High School, had his first job at Studebaker, and joined St. John M.B. Church. From there he moved to Chicago. Charles was employed at many jobs but remained at Ryerson Steel until he retired after 16 years of loyal service.

Charles was a person who enjoyed being with people, having good times and great bar-b-que. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked. Charles also loved to engage in verbal conversation with others.

On Aug. 11, 2007, a beautiful, sunny day, God picked his best flower and called him home. Charles "Boo-Boo" will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Charles leaves warm thoughts and memories in the hearts and minds of his wife of 21 years, Charlie Mae Northern; his eight children, Donna (Samuel) Harvey, IL, Charles W. Jr. of Chicago, Ardie Northern of South Bend, Antionius Northern, Lorraine Wright, Marcus Northern and Maurice Northern, all from South Bend, and Gwendolyn Smith of Chicago; three stepchildren, Cynthia, Kelly and Greg, all of Chicago. Charles has 32 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Lisa Northern, Gwendolyn Matthew of Los Angeles, CA, and Allison Herron; and brothers, Joseph Northern of Indianapolis and Robert Northern of South Bend; and a host of nieces, nephews and many, many friends; and a very special lifelong friend, Nancy Poole Wise.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Aug. 16, 2007.

02/17/2023 EJS