Deacon Charles Linell Prophet

Deacon Charles Linell Prophet, 92, of Columbia, South Carolina entered into eternal rest Monday, May 6, 2024 surrounded by family. He was born in Norway, South Carolina on January 20, 1932. He was the son of the late Inell and Delmus Wright Prophet. Deacon Prophet completed his academic studies in the public schools of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, and subsequently graduated from Northfield High School. Following his successful graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and committed to serving for three years. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he decided to pursue further academic endeavors. As such, he enrolled in Denmark Area Trade School, where he obtained his master's certificate in tailoring. Deacon Prophet married the love of his life, Annie L. Davis on May 1, 1954. In 1956, he relocated from Norway, South Carolina to Columbia, South Carolina with his wife and two infant sons to take up a position at a local tailor shop. After four years, the family had another son and a daughter. During this period, he secured a new job opportunity at JC Penney Inc. where he made history as the company's first black floor salesman and tailor, retiring in 1994. Deacon Prophet became a member of Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church in 1968 and devoted his talents to various ministries, including the Musical Choir, Trustee's Ministry, Male Chorus, Sunday School Department, Kitchen Ministry, Wednesday evening Bible Study, Men's Ministry, and Deacon's Ministry. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1998 and served until his health started to decline. In 2023, he was recognized as a Deacon Emeritus for his faithful and dedicated service. Deacon Prophet was a man of few words, yet his humility and spirituality were evident in his demeanor. He held his wife and family in high regard and devoted his time to working, meditating, reading the Bible daily, and attending church. He also loved and showcased his God-given talent in tailoring, indulging in fishing, and hosted grand BBQ or Fish fry celebrations with his loved ones. Deacon Prophet's family and friends recognized him for serving the "best ribs, hotdogs, fish, and hushpuppies in town." During the 70s, Deacon Prophet and his wife invited and provided food and a loving home to multiple college students from Columbia College and Benedict College, transporting them to church every Sunday. In addition to his parents, Deacon Prophet was preceded in death by his wife, Annie L.; son, Michael; brothers, Jade, Joseph, Samuel, and Leroy Prophet; sisters, Marie Prophet, Mattie Long, and Dorothy Lee. He leaves behind precious memories that will be cherished forever, two sons, Charles (Shirley) and Melvin Prophet; a daughter, Angela M. Prophet; daughter-in-law, Thelma Prophet, all of Columbia, SC; two brothers, Luther (Carrie) Prophet, Norway, SC and Walter (Masie) Prophet, Allentown, PA; three sisters, Frances Deas, Columbia, SC, Zina (Wilbert) Jones, Hempstead, NY and Vivian Singleton, Norway, SC; sisters-in-law, Earlie Prophet, Roosevelt, NY, Deborah Prophet, Advance, NC, and Emma Reed, Norway, SC; nine grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, "brother from another mother", Deacon James R. Lyles; goddaughter, Nancy Reed; god-grandaughter, Machia Mason; special children, Minister Diann Wolfe, Evelyn Morant, Jamel Morant, and Carter Jackson well as a host of cousin, nephews, and nieces. Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church, 5326 Ridgeway Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29203. The Reverend Fred W. Coit, Senior Pastor, officiating, The Reverend Darrius Graves, Executive Pastor, presiding. Interment to follow in the Greenlawn Memorial Park. Deacon Prophet will lie in-state at the church one hour prior to the service time. Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2024 and from 9:00 a.m., until 12 noon, Saturday, May 11, 2024 at A. A. Dicks Funeral Home. Like our Facebook page: A. A. Dicks Funeral Home - Sullivan Chapel Add our Facebook Friend Page and leave a comment: A. A. Dicks FH

Deacon Charles Linell Prophet

January 20, 1932 - May 6, 2024