Leona Chatman Charles

New Iberia - A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Leona Charles, formerly Leona Chatman, 94 will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11AM at Believer's Family Worship Center, 1604 E. Admiral Doyle Drive, New Iberia, LA. 70560.  Mrs. Leona received her heavenly reward on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 5:10AM surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held at Believer's Family Worship Center on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 8AM until the time of service.

Ms. Leona Chatman Charles was born in New Iberia, Louisiana on March 4, 1929, to the late Morris Chatman, whom she frequently spoke lovingly of as “Papa”, and to the late Edna Provost Chatman, whom she only knew for 10 months. She also was the stepdaughter of the late Maggie Chatman, who raised her along with her beloved oldest sister, the late Lou Edna Chatman.

She married Ercell Cleo Charles of St. Martinville, Louisiana. Together they enjoyed 47 years until he was called to glory in 1998. To this union came eight children and three bonus daughters: Senior Pastor Sandra Charles Archangel (Bishop Jeffery) of Grand Marais, LA, Leslie Beth Strickney and Cathy Lynn Charles, both of New Iberia, LA, Ercell Blair ‘Tinyboy’ Charles (Kynley) of Milton, GA, Pastor Tamara Charles Daye (Pastor Gregory) of New Iberia, LA, Darryl Cornell Charles (Melissa) of Carencro, LA, Pastor Karen Charles Jones (Pastor Dynell) of Youngsville, LA, Elder Roxane Charles Martin (Elder Bobby) of New Iberia, LA, Elder Debra Williams of Broussard, LA, Connie Broussard Johnson of Houston, TX and Silivia Harrison- Youman of New Iberia, LA.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ercell Cleo Charles; parents, Morris Chatman, Sr., and Edna Provost Chatman; close-knit family of siblings, Morris Chatman, Jr., Norris Chatman, Warren Chatman, Louis Chatman, Lou Edna Chatman, Louise Chatman Polk, Stella Chatman Mitchell, and Georgia Daniels. Mama met again her grandson, Trince Orlando Thibodeaux, who also preceded her in death and with whom she had a special relationship.

The story of the life of Leona Chatman Charles cannot be fully told here, but you can see it lived in the lives of those whom she has touched throughout her 94 years of life. This part of her earthly journey has ended, but her life’s story is still being told by those of us who loved her and knew her as she admonished us to always cherish the Blood of Jesus. Her often repeated praise of “Thank God for Jesus” now graces our lips. But most of all, she would say to continue her story by both teaching our children the Scriptures and telling others about Jesus.

Condolences may be expressed in Mrs. Charles' guest book.

Fields Funeral Home has been entrusted with her final arrangements. 712 Center Street, New Iberia, LA 70560, (337) 321-9040.