Charles W. Bond

On Sunday February 8, 2026 our beloved Elder Charles Wesley Bond answered his
Creator’s call and entered into eternal rest. “Sugar Ball” as he was affectionately known made
his grand entrance into the world on July 29, 1954 in Newark, New Jersey to the late Charlie
Wesley Bond and Mattie Violia Exum Pearson. He was the first grandchild born into the Exum
tribe. Charles was the proud big brother to his younger siblings, brother Eugene Bond who
preceded him in death and only sister Davicene Pearson. He was also preceded in death by
stepfather King Pearson, 2 step brothers Jimmy Yeleverton and Cornelius Brown, along with a
host of maternal and paternal aunts and uncles.
At a young age Charles returned to North Carolina and was raised by his late maternal
grandparents Eugene and Ethel Exum. It was during this time that as the scripture Proverbs
22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from
it” (ESV), he received his spiritual foundation while attending Revival Center, Kinston, NC under
the late Bishop C. D. McNeil. He received his formal education with Lenoir County Public
Schools, graduating from North Lenoir High School in 1972. Charles’ leadership skills were
showcased early on as Drum Major with the LaGrange Community Band “The Sensational Cut
Uppers”. He later obtained higher education with North Carolina A & T University Greensboro,
NC (Bachelor of Arts- Psychology), Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Washington
(Independent Study- Therapeutic Recreation) and Howard University Washington, D.C. (Master
of Science: Health, Human Performance and Leisure Studies- Therapeutic Recreation).
Upon graduation from college, Charles relocated to Washington D.C. where he settled and over
the course of the next 40+ years, he made a lasting impact in his career, community and later as
a Man of God with his church family (FAME Church Inc. International). These various
organizations included: ATRA Public Policy Committee/additional roles, CHARTA
President/various roles, District of Columbia State Coordinator/Board of Occupational Therapy,
Faith Assembly of Christ, Inc. Board of Directors, and Recreational Therapy Licensure Task Force
and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Omega Chapter.
Later in life, Charles accepted Jesus as his personal savior. In 1994, he joined Faith Assembly of
Christ, Inc. under the leadership of the late Bishop Alfonso Way. From the beginning, he was
faithful in every assignment he undertook. A gifted and passionate singer, Charles served in the
Mass Choir and Men’s Chorus, lead Tenor (Celebration and Worship Choir); armor bearer,
Hospitality, Culinary Services, Director of Temple Management and Teacher of the Men’s
Sunday School class. In the year of our Lord in 2007 Charles was ordained as a Minister. The
following year he delivered his initial sermon July 2008. In July 2010, following the leading of
The Holy Spirit, Minister Charles was elevated to the office of Elder. Elder Bond’s commitment
to service, his love for God’s people and his faithfulness to the ministry will always be
remembered.

Charles loved his family dearly and displayed these acts through cooking his gourmet meals,
hosting family members or friends with 5 star service, visiting each of his aunts and uncles
whenever he came home, attending the Exum Family Reunions and simply being a huge
supporter of anyone who called on him whether family or not. Although he never had children
of his own, he graced the role not only as uncle but as a Father figure to his 3 nieces/daughters
and grand-father figure to his great nephews and nieces of whom he loved very much. He was
given the name nick-name “Yellow Uncle Charles” by great niece Ja’Niya. He was indeed a man
of great faith, integrity, and professionalism.

His Legacy
Our beloved Charles leaves many beautiful and cherished memories with his sister; Davicene
Pearson of Goldsboro, NC; sister-in-love Johnnie M. Bond of LaGrange, NC; 3 nieces Felicia Bond
of Goldsboro, NC, Jonisa Maye of LaGrange, NC, and Angelique Pope of Jacksonville, FL ; 2 great
nieces Ja’Niya Maye, Genesis Mitchell; 3 great nephews Calvin Maye, Caleb Maye and Carter
Dallas; 1 uncle Jasper Exum (Helen) of LaGrange, NC; 3 aunts Shirley Rice (Otis) of Grifton, NC,
Mittie Exum of LaGrange, NC and Willie Exum of LaGrange, NC; 5 step nieces; Keonda Burden,
Courtney Brown, Kristen Brown, Taylor Brown and Janae’ Brown; a special cousin Dollie Exum; 2
God children Dewayne Wright, Jr. and Desiree Miller-Nixon; a host of cousins and friends;
special friends Tatonia (Dwight) Wright, Jemahl Nixon and Sonia King.

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