Cornell Lamar Charles Obituary (1968 - 2020)

Cornell Lamar (Dickey) Charles, 51, of New Orleans, passed away, Tuesday March 24, 2020 in Ocshner Hospital. At this time, only private family services will be held. Cornell was born June 23, 1968 in New Orleans, La to Catherine Butler and Frank Charles. Cornell was the eldest of two boys. He was educated in the Orleans Parish School System and graduated from Alcee Fortier Senior High School in 1986. He furthered his education by attending Dillard University. Cornell worked several jobs simultaneously to ensure the financial securement of his family. He was employed by GE Healthcare for 20 years. He worked for the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) for over 30 years and he was also employed by the Lusher Charter School System as part of the coaching staff for 13 1/2 years. He married Nicole in 1993 and was the loving father of Le'Treion and Bethaney. Cornell and Nicole were lovingly married for 27 years but was together for 30 years. He loved Nicole with everything in him and she loved him with everything in her. He so often told Nicole how much he loved her. Cornell will be forever etched in her heart- NEVER to be replaced or removed. Nicole was the fragrance of his life, but his daughters and granddaughter were the sunlight of his days. His wife, daughters, and granddaughter gave him a purpose for setting and striving to be an exemplary example of what "real fathers/real men" look like. Most men have one apple of their eye, but Cornell had four. Cornell was very involved in the community. Cornell has been a part of the Zulu Governor's Krewe since 2004 where he served as the illustrious Charge D'Affaire since 2005. He became an official member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club in September 2009. Cornell was very vibrant and always the Life of the Party at every event. He was renowned for his cooking and seafood boiling skills. Cornell loved vacationing, socializing and spending quality time with family and friends. Always welcoming, Cornell faithfully held Sunday dinner at his home every Sunday. Both family and friends were always welcome without an invite. He truly enjoyed cooking, most times extra spicy, and eager to have you gloat on his food. His favorite gospel song was "I shall wear a crown." His favorite motto was "Do It Big or Don't Do It at All!" To some of his family and friends he was also known as the "Tax Man" because if you played on his football pool, he would hound you like the IRS for his payments. His pure heart and charming personality will be greatly missed. Cornell was a positive mentor to everyone he met, especially the youth. His passion was coaching which allowed him to reach hundreds of the youth of New Orleans. Cornell is survived by his wife, Nicole Charles, daughters, Le'Treion Charles and Bethaney Charles, granddaughter, Jayion Reed, mother, Catherine Butler, father, Frank (Carolyn) Charles, brother, Jeffrey Charles, godchildren, Da'Jae Green and Tony Butler Jr., and many cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins and countless friends. Cornell was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank Charles Sr., Geneva Charles, Tony J. Butler and Mattie L. Butler. Final care entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Highway, Gramercy, LA 70052 "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!" Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the family.