On December 4th, 1957, a baby boy was born to the late FelixJohnson and Flexie Gardiner. Charley, as he was affectionately known, attendedthe All-Age school in Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama. Later, his mother took himalong with his other siblings to Philadelphia. He being the eldest child, shethen enrolled him in Franklin Benjamin High. Due to a tragic accident, wherehis mom met her demise his tenure there was short lived, at a tender age offifteen, he returned to Grand Bahama in the settlement of Sea Grape where heresided with his grandmother. Prior to his mom’s departure, she had given him adrum set, his enthusiasm and hunger for playing this instrument made himpractice every free moment he had. He said he wanted to be a professionaldrummer, so he enlisted in a music school where he qualified himself in thearea. This is what made him unique. He was able to read music and play by ear.
He entered the music arena at the age of 18yrs, his first job being atthe West End Hotel in Grand Bahama. Here, he worked in a group led by Mr.Gladstone McQueen.
This group moved into Freeport, where they performed in the TConnection Room for some time, then later moved to Nassau and formed a new groupcalled “Will Power”, which was instrumental in playing in the leading hotels inthe West, including Ronnie’s Rebel Room. Further, he played for the dancers inthe Play Boy Casino for the dancers.
Charley always carried himself like a Star. He was always immaculatelydressed with everything matching, and paid careful attention to details. Charley’smost endearing quality was his charisma. He was charming in every sense of theword and genuinely loved people. Charley was highly intelligent and could holdhis own in a discussion on any topic.
But it is said, “into every life a little rain must fall”. Charley’slife was no different. But it’s incredible how Charley turned his rainy seasoninto a blessing.
It was at the Saint John’s Camp of the Divine that he met his wife,Miss Geneva Bethell, who was a “Praise and Worship” Teacher there. Charley andGeneva got married on December 3rd, 1988 and they enjoyed 35beautiful years of marriage.
Charley joined the Airline Industry in 1987, where he worked withBahamasair as a special agent. He joined American Airlines in 1989 as a BaggageHandler, thereafter. Due to his declining health, he retired from Flamingo Airafter giving two years of service as a Baggage Handler.
On the 12th of July, he experienced a fourth stroke, and theambulance was called. He never made it back to his earthly home, because Godcalled him home to be with him. He willbe missed for his excellent cooking and generous spirit, he was so kind heartedand loving.
Left to cherish his memories is his loving Wife: Geneva Bethell Johnson; (2)Daughters: Lashan Johnson (USA) and Shenek Johnson-Roper (Turks &Caicos); (2) Adopted Daughters: AnnettraCargill and Tamika Bullard; (5) GrandChildren: Irylan Knowles, Solomon, Paris Nathan Lightbourne, Charlotte MaeAlexandra Roper, Shelby Eliza and Grace Roper; Sisters: K. Vernette Skippings (MIA), April Griffith, PeggyJohnson, Elsa McKenzie; Sisters-in-Law:Ernestine, Vernette, Marilyn, Christine, Kelly, Patrice, Willamae, Carmen, Portia, Lydia, Michelle, Adra and Sharon; Brothers: Jerry Lightbourne (GB), LarryLightbourne (GB), Warren Missick (GB), Samuel Bookie Johnson (Inez), GilesJohnson, Tyrone Johnson, Tony, Ronald;Brothers-in-Law: Philip O. Bethell(Shenell), Kevin Bethell (Verona) and Alexis Joffree; Uncle: Bert Duncunson, Gee Gardiner and Bertram Kemp; Aunts: Olive Rolle, Sharvingmae Hall, Annarine Missick, FlexiForbes, Grace Kemp and Yvonne Kemp; Nephews:Larry Lightbourne Jr., Angelo Roker, Eric Skippings, Fabian Griffiths, ChimaLlfarro Johnson, Nikimba, Nkhruma, Dr. Elon Joffre (Giselle), Dion Bethell, RamonNewbold and Kyvon Johnson; Nieces: AnitaraKamissoka-Adama, Kent – Valencia Johnson, Crystal Johnson (GB), Nikera Johnson,Sandra (USA), Rose Newbold (ELH), Vadalia, Niqua, Sharon (George) and Sonell; Cousins: Dr. Delicia Duncunson, BrandaceDuncunson, Shari (John), Coranell Walkin, Shannik Anderson, Vera, Iona andGlenoro Delancey, Petronella Francis, Florence Musgrove, Hon. Kendall NottageMP (Ruby), Sandra and Philip Nottage, Portia Butterfield-Nottage, Betty Kemp, SlonoviaKemp and Osborne Kemp (Germany); and ahost of other relatives and friends.
