Mr. Edward Jesse High Sr. of Charlotte, NC, made his transition to Eternal Life on Monday morning, December 6, 2010 at Charlotte HealthCare. He was 90 years old.
He was born on February 28, 1920, the second of seven children born to the late Clement R. High and Helen Jessie Stokes High in Boston, Massachusetts. His wife of 48 years, Naomi Watson High predeceased him in March, 1994. From this wonderful union, they became the proud parents of two children; Anita LaRay and Edward II.
Edward started his education at Boston English High School and continued his education for three years at North Carolina College for Negros (now North Carolina Central University). In 1942, World War II started and Edward served his country proudly for more than three years in the China-Burma-Inda Theater as a Master Sergeant.
Having prepared himself academically for a rewarding professional career, Ed worked as a postman for nine years. At the time, it was the best job available to him. However, he longed to work as an accountant, the field in which he majored at Columbia University. So, in 1963, officials of Fund Investment Inc., a mutual fund investment firm in Charlotte, offered him a job as Assistant Controller.
Ed served faithfully in his church and in the community through numerous fraternal and civic organizations. He was long-time member of First Baptist Church-West, where he once served as chairman of the Board of Directors and as comptroller. He was a member and past Master of Unique Lodge #85(Prince Hall Masons); member of Charlotte Consistory #35; member and Past Potentate & Deputy of Oasis, Rameses Temple #51, A.E.A.O.N.M. S; member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, where he recently received recognition for 70 years of service; member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc-Beta Delta boule; member I.B.P.O.E. of W(Elks); member of Mules, Inc.-Charlotte Chapter.
Ed leaves to cherish fond memories: daughter, Anita High Lewis of Charlotte; son, Edward II and his wife, Mary Lockamy-High of Mitchellville, Maryland; brother, Clement R. High and his wife, Barbara of Valley Stream, New York; grandchildren, Clifford and Jasmine Maree of Charlotte and Endya and Maya High of Mitchellville, Maryland; brother-in-law, John Watson and his wife, Carolyn of Smithfield, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Mary E. High of Salem, Virginia; companion, Dr. Esther Page Hill of Charlotte; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, December 11, 2010, at 1p.m. at First Baptist Church-West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave., Charlotte. Visitation is from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Interment will be in Beatties Ford Memorial Gardens.
Long & Son Mortuary Service is serving the High family.
***
Qcitymetro.com publishes free obituaries and death notices as a service to our readers. Email obits@qcitymetro.com.
