charles edward arrington
1937-1996
Life Story
A Life Rooted in Family, Community, and Faith in the Altare Tradition
Early Life and Family Heritage
Charles Edward Arrington was born on April 25, 1937, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Herbert Arrington (1914-1982) and Margie Mae Jordan (1918-1991). He grew up in the Altare community, a small but vibrant settlement known for its deep family ties, faith-centered values, and enduring legacy of hard work.
The Arrington and Jordan families were pillars of this close-knit community, their names woven through the history of local churches, schools, and farming life. Charles’s upbringing on Newton–Calhoun Road placed him at the heart of Altare’s daily rhythms—surrounded by family, neighbors, and the spirit of cooperation that defined rural life in mid-20th-century Mississippi.
Formative Years in Altare
By 1950, Charles was living with his parents and siblings on the family farm. Life in Altare was deeply rooted in agriculture and faith, with families sustaining themselves through a combination of farming, local trades, and community service. Charles’s childhood unfolded during a period of social change and emerging opportunities for African Americans in Newton County, shaping his sense of purpose and perseverance.
He attended the local community school, where he received an education grounded in discipline and faith, and was active in family life and church gatherings. These experiences fostered the strong moral character and dedication to others that those who knew him would later remember.
Legacy and Passing
Charles Edward Arrington passed away on October 9, 1996, at the age of 59. His death brought sorrow to his family and community, who remembered him for his quiet strength, generosity, and steadfast nature. He was laid to rest at Altare Missionary Baptist Church graveyard, a sacred place that symbolized his lifelong connection to the community that raised him.
There, among generations of Arringtons, Walkers, and Evanses, Charles’s memory remains part of the enduring story of Altare—a story of family, faith, and resilience.
Sidebar: The Arrington Family in Altare’s Legacy
The Arrington family played a vital role in shaping the social and spiritual landscape of Altare and its neighboring settlements. From early pioneers like Thomas Watson and Emanuel Walker, to later generations such as Ambus and Bairl Arrington, their contributions span agriculture, military service, and church leadership.
By the time Charles was born, Altare had become a thriving center of Black community life in Newton County. The Arringtons, along with families like the Evans, Walker, and McCune lineages, continued to uphold the values that sustained the community through decades of change—faith, education, and the belief in building something lasting for future generations.
Resting Place
Altare Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019
- U.S., Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002
- U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Leave a Reply