Reverend Charles L. Manzie, the third link in the “Manzie Preaching Legacy” and the longtime Pastor of St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church, passed on June 3, 2018 at a local hospital.

Reverend Manzie was born June 23, 1946 in Camden, Alabama to the late Reverend Charlie Henry Manzie and Mary Young Manzie. He was raised in Birmingham and graduated from Wenonah High School. He went on to receive a degree in Sociology from Miles College and a B.S. degree in Theological Studies from Selma University. Also, he studied counseling at Alabama State University. He was a proud brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

While at Alabama State University, his life’s work took shape. There, while pursuing a graduate degree in Counseling, he met the love of his life, Jeanette Nixon, who was studying Business Administration. They married in 1979, eventually moved their family to Mobile and are proud parents to five children – Charles Jr., who preceded him in death, Jewketa Necole (Keith) Manzie Jones, Levon Charles, Felix Jarvis and Thomas Jarrod all of Mobile.

He served faithfully as Pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church of Magnolia, AL, the Hopewell Baptist Church of Linden, AL and the Canaan Hill Baptist Church, of Montgomery, AL. In the Summer of 1981, he was called by God to become the 5th Pastor of the Saint Joseph Missionary Baptist Church of Prichard, AL.

For thirty-seven years his wife was both a partner in life and his ministry at St. Joseph, which blossomed under his leadership. The congregation flourished with his unique ability to bring God’s word and love to the people and his forward-looking vision for the church.

He was truly beloved by his congregation and widely known for his trademark question, “Am I Right, I Know I’m Right,” his uniquely powerful sermon delivery and his beautiful singing voice. In 2004, his God given vision for growing the physical church plant inspired him to lead the congregation in purchasing an expansive church campus located at 711 Elba Avenue in Whistler, AL. This move allowed the church to greatly expand its ministries and further spread God’s word.

Through his life and ministry, he touched countless lives bringing the Lord’s love to many and building a church and congregation that will continue his work for generations to come. He was a noted revivalist, preaching God’s word across all regions of this country.

In addition to his loving and devoted wife of thirty-nine years and children, he is survived by three sisters: Bruties (Ralph) Lindsey of Pensacola, FL, Geneva (Ronald) Padgett of Tallahassee, FL and Ruth Ford of New York, NY; a brother, Larry (Tina) Manzie of Saginaw, MI; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and his loyal and dedicated St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church Family.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 9am until the 11am “Celebration of Life” service at St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church, 711 Elba Street Mobile, Alabama. Interment will follow in Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama.

DIGNIFIED AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO SMALL'S MORTUARY, 950 S. BROAD ST., MOBILE, AL., 36603.

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