Charles E. Taliefero

November 18, 1960 - July 12, 2013

Charles E. Taliefero, age 52, of Bay Shore, NY, and formerly from Gary, IN, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2013 with the comfort of his family surrounding him. A Home-Going Celebration and Repast will begin with visitation from 11:00 am " 12:00 noon on Friday, July 19, 2013 at Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 5891 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN, 37211. Services will begin at noon. Burial will take place on Saturday, July 20th at 2:30 PM at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, 9090 Highway 100 , Nashville, TN, 37221. In addition, there will be an earlier viewing on Thursday, July 18 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, 609 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401. Charles E. Taliefero was born on November 18, 1960 in Biloxi, MS and was the son of Charles A. and Audrey J. Cross Taliefero. He grew up in Hammond and Gary, IN and graduated from Gary Wirt High School. He attained a Bachelors degree from Indiana University and he was a member of Kappa Alpha and Psi Fraternity. Charles also attained a Masters of Education degree from Long Island University, C.W. Post, NY. He had a successful career as a middle school teacher for over twenty years and completed his tenure at Bay Shore Middle School in Bayshore, NY. Charles was charismatic and outgoing, a genuine people person. His contagious smile was his hallmark highlighting his zest for life and service to others. Everybody loved Charlie! He was passionate about music, devoted to teaching and was a mentor to many. He knew how to bring out the best in people. Revered by his colleagues, he was often acknowledged for his unique inspirational teaching style. He was celebrated by his students for his engaging lesson plans that left an indelible mark on their educational experience. Considered dynamic by many, Charles mastered "awesome leadership skills." His love for music showed as he wrote and shared his works with his sister, Crystal, his bands Black Mist, Magic Mist, Midnight Movers, Kilo, Mercedez and others. Charles also shared his knowledge and love for the arts with his children, L.C. (Charles), Morgan and Sydney, by teaching them how to play multiple instruments and by including them in school musical productions while teaching at Bayshore Middle School. He was known as an active, loving and dedicated family man. Charles was committed to his wife Shiverne and loved his family. With unconditional love quite evident, he reveled in the joys of family life and parenthood. He was deeply involved in his children's education, shared his passion for music and was active in their extra-curricular activities where they have earned impressive accolades. As a loving husband and devoted dad, he found joy in a wide array of family activities including annual trips home to visit his parents and family. He was a trusting friend to many. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens..." and Charlie lived that well. We will all miss Charlie! Mourning his passing, but celebrating his love and commitment, are family and friends including his beloved wife: Shiverne Barnes Taliefero; his precious children: Charles M., Morgan G. and Sydney A. Taliefero; his loving parents: Charles and Audrey Taliefero, all of Spring Hill, TN; and his sister: Crystal L. Taliefero of Franklin, TN; and a niece: Kodee T. Lewis. He is also remembered by his grandmother: Mildred L. Taliefero of Lynwood, IL; and numerous aunts and uncles, and a host of cousins, extended family and friends. You may share condolences with the family at the top of this page.