BY MILES LAYTON
Though Charlie Creighton’s funeral started at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Paul’s Episcopal, the church’s pews were packed at around 1:10 p.m., meaning lots of folks attended the service at the Parrish Hall or at St. Ann’s and Edenton Baptist Church to say goodbye to this beloved man.
Funeral service was attended by Chowan County Commissioners, Edenton Town Council members, and people from all walks of life that Charlie had touched during his time on earth.
Go to St. Paul’s or perhaps Colony Tire’s Facebook pages, both of which broadcast the funeral, or maybe even go to YouTube — click here to watch the funeral online.
Town Attorney Hood Ellis gave the first reading of Scripture, former Edenton Mayor Roland Vaughan gave the second reading, and local businessman Warner Perry led the prayers for the people. Heartfelt remembrances of Charlie’s life came from Britt Creighton Ratcliff, Eva Chandler Bergeron, Eleanor Clark Burcham, Ann Porterfield Creighton and Andrew Omer Bergeron Jr.
St. Paul’s Rev. Melody Perdue’s homily shared a message of everlasting life through Christ’s love. Reflecting on Psalm 23, Perdue talked about being a shepherd – certainly, Charlie had those strong qualities of caring about others.
“This man with a big heart whose warmth, kindness, humor, empathy and generosity impacted not just his own family, and our church community at St. Pauls, but the entire Town of Edenton and many, many people through the surrounding counties and states and probably beyond. As I shared before our service started, we gather here as a community to mourn with and support the Creighton family. And we gather to give thanks to God for Charlie’s life – grateful for what he did for so many people in different ways. His actions and kind gestures, some small and others big, and quite a few who benefited from his generous spirit and friendship.”
Perdue continued, “Charlie made you feel seen – when he was talking to you, you were the most important person in the room. You have described him as a hands-on leader, a devoted mentor, a guiding light and consistent cheerleader. Jesus would have called him one of the good shepherds.”
The hymns sung were Amazing Grace, I Sing A Song Of The Saints of God, In Christ Alone and this fan favorite – Joy to the World!
Reception was held at Hayes Farm – catered by Nixons – lots of folks there to share memories of Charlie.
I’ll end on this note from Charlie’s funeral – Father of all, we pray to you for Charlie, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine on them. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.