Charles Edward Staggers Sr.

November 29, 1953 ~ April 9, 2026 (age 72)

Charles Edward Staggers, Sr. was born on November 29, 1953, in South Bend, Indiana, and peacefully passed away on April 9, 2026, in the city he called home throughout his life.

Charles lived a life marked by faith, service, hard work, and love for his family. He was the son of the late Joe Nolan Staggers Sr. and the late Birdia Mae (McFadden) Staggers, and he carried the values of their upbringing with him throughout his life. He was a Christian man who believed in doing what was right, treating people with kindness, and trusting God through every season of life. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was a member of New Testament Missionary Baptist Church, and later became a member of Faith Alive Ministries.

Charles attended Riley High School (Class of 1973), where he began building the foundation for a life of discipline and responsibility. He went on to become a skilled concrete finisher, a trade that reflected his strong work ethic and his ability to shape something lasting with his hands. He worked at Kent Concrete Construction, LL Geans Construction, and Ancon Construction. He also served his country with honor in the United States Army and later in the Army Reserve, completing 20 years of service. His military service reflected his discipline, his strength, and his deep sense of duty.

Family was one of the greatest blessings in Charles’s life. He shared 42 devoted years of marriage with his wife, Mae (Campbell) Staggers, and together they built a home rooted in love, faith, and perseverance. He was a proud father to Sherona Staggers of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Okoli Sr. of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Jerwanda Bradford (Devon, deceased) of South Bend, Indiana; Denika Staggers of South Bend, Indiana; Justice Staggers of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Charles Staggers, Jr. (LaShaunte) of South Bend, Indiana. He treasured his children and found joy in their lives, their accomplishments, and the bond they shared as a family.

Charles was also blessed with a loving circle of siblings and extended family. He is survived by his sister, Jean Akin (John, deceased) of Indianapolis, Indiana; his sister, Helene Thomas (Ira, deceased) of South Bend, Indiana; his brother, Elder Ronald L. Staggers Sr. (Kim, deceased) of South Bend, Indiana; and his brother, Joe Staggers Jr., affectionately known as “Brother” who preceded him in death. He also leaves to cherish his memory his aunt, Katy (Gary) Hill of Jacksonville, Arkansas. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Derrion Adams, Okoli Staggers, Jr., Taqueeva Walker, Samuel Steele, Oak’Lynn Staggers. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jaquariana Abrams.

Charles enjoyed basketball and softball, and he appreciated the timeless sound of old school R&B music. He especially loved being on the grill, where he earned his place as the family’s BBQ pit master. He had a way of bringing people together and making those moments memorable.

Charles was funny, direct, and unapologetically himself. He had a way of making people laugh, sometimes in the same moment he might test your patience, but even then, you still wanted to be around him. He was real in every sense, and that authenticity defined how he lived and how he connected with others.

Charles will be remembered for his presence, his honesty, his humor, and the way he left an impression you didn’t easily forget. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him, and they find comfort in their faith and in the promises of God.

Funeral Services for Charles will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Faith Alive Ministries, 909 N. Bendix, South Bend, IN 46628. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery in South Bend.  

Palmer Funeral Home - West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

Services

Visitation

Saturday
April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Faith Alive Ministries
909 N. Bendix Drive
South Bend, IN 46628

Funeral Service

Saturday
April 18, 2026, 11:00 AM
Faith Alive Ministries
909 N. Bendix Drive
South Bend, IN 46628

Burial
Riverview Cemetery
2300 Portage Avenue
South Bend, IN 46616

Added 04/18/2026 0829 GMS 

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/CharlesEdward-StaggersSr