Stephen Charles Wilks

Stephen Charles Wilks, son of the late Arthur Allison and Mary Wilks Glen, was born February 19, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life on September 17, 2022. Charles spent his younger years in Chester, South Carolina with his sisters and brothers that he loved dearly. Charles received his education in the Carpentry Program at Carver Vocational Technical High School in Baltimore, MD, graduating in 1959. While attending Carver, he played baseball and was the quarterback for the Carver Bears football team proudly wearing jersey number 17. Ironically, his son Steven played the same position in high school and wore the same jersey number 17. Outstanding at football and baseball, Charles was awarded a full scholarship to Hampton University, but enlisted in the United State Army. He was honorably discharged, November 14, 1968. After serving his country, Charles returned to Baltimore where he was employed and retired from General Motors after working 20+ years on the distribution line. After retiring, Charles dedicated his life to his family. He used his carpentry skills to do home improvement projects and repairs for his Aunt’s Agnes and Ella, and others in the family. He also used his skills from General Motors to repair the family cars over the years. He passed his knowledge onto his two son’s Harold and Steven. They assisted him with many of his projects and continue to use these skills today. Charles later started a side gig providing transportation services around Baltimore City. His riders became his friends, and Charles became part of their family. Charles was a family man, and father figure to many of his children’s friends. He enjoyed family nights as everyone piled onto the king size bed or gathered in the basement on hot summer nights, watching VHS movies and boxing matches on a Saturday night. He was a lover of southern food, often preparing family dinner on Sundays that included his famous macaroni and cheese dish, and biscuits was always a must. His love for sports made him a life-long fan of the Steelers. He looked forward to having beers and watching the Sunday games with his son Harold, and often spent hours on the phone with his siblings, Isamae and William G., talking about their favorite teams and players. He was his son’s Steven #1 fan while attending his football games and made sure Steven’s friends and other young family members made it to their games and practices as well. He faithfully attended every softball and soccer game for his granddaughter, Ava. Charles started his Sunday mornings worshiping with Southern Baptist Church on television, acquainting himself with Jesus as his savior. Charles loved vacations on the beach in Ocean City, MD with his daughter Angela, Emmanuel, and granddaughter, Ava. He looked forward to spending every holiday at his daughter Chevelle’s house to eat and watch sports with his son in law, Jay. It filled his day to hear about his grandchildren and kids close to him; Evan’s journey in the Army, Lanae and Jazmine’s college days, Kasai, Jada, Nalani, Ava, and Aniyah’s high school events, and the many times Emmanuel, Duron, Jayse, and Savannah spent with his son Steven. Charles leaves to cherish his memories: his daughter, Angela C. Wilks and son, Steven C. Wilks; his daughter, Chevelle A. and son-in-law, Emile “Jay” Johnson of Waldorf, MD; his son, Harold L. Frieson; former wife, Cheryl D. and her son, Emmanual Moore; sister, Isamae S. Bowie of Schererville, IN; sister, Hazel Lewis (deceased); brother, William G. Wilks (deceased), Dexter L. Wilks (deceased); lifelong friends Bill and Pete; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. Grandchildren he leaves to mourn: Daneene Frieson, Evan, Jazmine, Lanae, Kasai, Jada, Christian Frieson, Nalani, Ava, Aniyah, Kaleb and Khalil Frieson, Jayse, Duron, Savannah; and great grandchildren.

Tributes

Stephen Charles Wilks

February 19, 1939 - September 17, 2022