Deacon Charles P. Holloway Sr.

Charles Paul Holloway, Sr. born on March 12, 1947, in Chester, Pennsylvania, lived a life defined by integrity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to others. The only son of the late Charlie and Janie Holloway, Charles entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Riddle Hospital in Media, Pennsylvania. Charles was educated at Immaculate Heart of Mary and graduated from Saint James High School in 1966. After high school, he worked at Reynolds Metal, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. While employed as a crane operator at Sun Ship, Charles pursued higher education at Cheyney State College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics in 1983. In 1984, Charles began his teaching career in the Chester Upland School District as a long-term substitute at Smedley Junior High School. He later taught at Chester High School while completing his Master of Education degree at Widener University. After a layoff in 1988, Charles continued his calling as an educator in the West Chester Area School District, teaching mathematics at both high schools and two middle schools. At Pierce Middle School, he coached the MathCounts Team, leading them to win the Chester County and Pennsylvania State competitions in 2003. That same year, he was honored as the coach of the Pennsylvania MathCounts Team competing in Chicago. Charles also ran the Chess Club, Magic Club, and MathCounts Club, and mentored countless students who needed guidance in math—or in life. He retired from teaching in 2013. A dedicated member of Franklin Lodge #58 F. & A.M., Charles worked with the Knights of Pythagoras youth group and embodied the Masonic values of brotherhood, service, and moral character. He served faithfully as a deacon and church photographer, capturing moments of fellowship and faith with care and purpose. Charles was ordained as a deacon on December 21, 2014. He was voted man of the year in 2019 from Mount Pleasant Baptist Church which truly shocked him, but gave him great pleasure. He was also a member of the Men of Victory Choir, Brothers of Prayer, Tuesday Men's Bible Study, Biblical Counselor, Evangelism, Library Committee, Missionaries, Senior Arts and Crafts, tutor children at Community Baptist and Mount Pleasant Churches, taught Chess at the Church, he truly loved his Mount Pleasant family and his pastor, Reverend Dr. Willie E. Robinson. Charles touched the lives of many with his kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength. He lived simply, loved deeply, and placed the needs of others before his own. He cherished his trips with his devoted wife, Grace, and treasured time spent with family and friends. His passion for reading, math, and lifelong learning reflected his belief in growth and knowledge. Charles leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of over fifty years, Grace Shelton-Holloway; five sons: Charles Holloway, Jr. of Seattle, Washington (Jan), Nasir Abdul-Bari of (Nicole), Darin Shelton of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Natasha), Daryl Shelton of Chester, Pennsylvania, and Hakim of Chester, Pennsylvania, who preceded him in death one week later. He also leaves five special nieces he regarded as daughters: Dorothy Scott, Delaware City, Delaware (Michael), Kim McNeil of Marietta, Georgia, Lynette McNeil of Chester, Pennsylvania, Rasheedah Seals, Chester, Pennsylvania, and Akera Lewis of San Antonio, Texas (Steve), an Uncle Theodore Smith of Silver Springs Maryland, and host of cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends who will forever hold his memory in their hearts. Charles leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service that will forever live in the hearts of those he touched. Though he is no longer with us physically, by God’s will and mercy, the impact of his life will continue to guide, strengthen, and draw us closer to him and to God.

Deacon Charles P. Holloway Sr.

March 12, 1947 - July 26, 2026