Elder Charles March

UTICA - Pastor Charles March, age 88, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with his loving family by his side. At the time of his passing, Pastor March was under the care of the outstanding staff of the Abraham House. Pastor March was born on March 10, 1936, to the late Jerry and Alice (Ware) March, in Clayton, Alabama. He received his education in the Clayton School District. Pastor March relocated to Utica, NY at a young age and became gainfully employed by Beaunit Fiber Division, receiving a Certification of Recognition for 10 years of loyal service on December 29, 1967. Later, Pastor March gained a position with Utica Boilers (formerly Utica Radiator), retiring after 30 years of service. Pastor March married the former Anna Baynard in 1976. They were an example of a God-fearing couple, faithful, loving, and loyal to one another, and partners in ministry. After 28 years of marriage, Sister Anna March passed away in January of 2002. Pastor March held memories of her in his heart until his transition. Pastor March confessed Christ at an early age. He joined Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church under the tutelage of Pastor Isaiah Miller, Jr. During his tenure Pastor March was Ordained as a Deacon. On November 28, 1982, Pastor March was Ordained as a Reverend in the Lord’s Church by Pastor Isaiah Miller, Jr. to Preach the Gospel. Shortly after, Reverend March accepted the call to Pastor Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained for over 40 years, teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor March was known as a devout man of prayer and great faith. Pastor March’s educational path included: being a Graduate of Biblical Studies ~ signed by Dr. Jerry Falwell; and Certificate of Completion in The Marilyn Hickey Bible Encounter. Pastor March was an avid bowler, a sport he enjoyed along with his wife. As a couple, they also enjoyed savoring the flavor of maple walnut ice cream. Pastor March was also fond of watching and listening to baseball games. He would not let a day go by without checking on family and loved ones. As a dad, Pastor March was just and fair. He offered his advice to his children and truth and principle were the rock upon which he stood. Respect and humble actions were foremost the lessons he instilled; honesty was expected and enforced. His humor was unique, and he shared it with a twist from everyday living as well as from the pulpit. He possessed great strength of character and a golden heart which he was so generous with, for all people. He was a confidant to many, and his wisdom was sought from many colleagues and constituents alike. He was also a father figure to so many of his congregants, for which they remain blessed to this day. Pastor March leaves to cherish fond memories four daughters, Sandra Graham, Utica, NY, Arneice Baynard, St. Louis MO, and Kim Baynard, Utica, NY; four sons and one daughter-in-law, William Baynard, Elgin, SC, Sean G. Baynard (Paula), Glen Burnie, MD, and Lawrence Y. Baynard, Buffalo, NY; one son-in-law, James Tucker, Orlando, FL; three sisters, Queen Williams, Ida Samuel and Lena Johnson; two brothers, Jerry March, and Joseph March; 40 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; goddaughter, Rachelle Simmons; in-laws; long-time friend, John Coleman (Sandra); and special friend/daughter, Patricia Sanchious. Pastor March leaves several nieces, nephews, spiritual children, and friends. Pastor March was predeceased by wife, Anna March; one daughter, Patricia Ann Tucker; one sister, Mrs. Mamie S. Barnes; one brother, Boise March; and two grandsons. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to those that put them in their prayers and to everyone that has shared their grief; they thank you for all your acts of kindness. It is with much gratefulness that they acknowledge the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Family, and U’Nice Elliott-Jefferson. The Abraham House of Utica was a home that welcomed Pastor Charles and his family into a peaceful place where he was blessed with wonderful and outstanding caregivers, especially Bonnie, along with the staff, who treated them as family; their hospitality will be held close to the family’s hearts, God bless their souls. The family extends their gratitude to the many doctors who tended to Charles, especially Kathy Leach, FNP of the Hobart Clinic. Thanks as well to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Pastor Charles’ Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Pastor Charles’ honor may be made to the mission of the Abraham House online at www.theabrahamhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery where he will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife. “A death has occurred, and everything is changed by this event. We are painfully aware that life can never be the same again, that yesterday is over, that a relationship once rich has ended. But there is another way to look upon this truth if life went on the same…. Without the presence of Charles…We could only conclude that his life made no contribution, filled no space, meant nothing. The fact that Charles left behind a place that cannot be filled is a high tribute to him. Life can be the same after a trinket has been lost ~ but never after the loss of a treasure.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 – “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

Elder Charles March

March 10, 1936 - June 5, 2024