Charlie Wren, Sr.

Minister Charlie Wren, Sr., a beloved son, father, husband, grandfather, mentor, and faithful servant of God, entered into eternal rest on November 17, 2025, at the age of 64.

Born on March 16, 1961, in Bessemer, Alabama, Charlie was the son of Wilson Lee Wren, Sr. and Cornelia Williams Wren Johnson. He was lovingly raised by his mother and his devoted dad, Deacon Matthew Johnson, Sr., who helped shape his strong spiritual and moral foundation.

Charlie accepted Christ at a young age at New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Wilson Fallin, Sr., a decision that guided his walk with the Lord for the rest of his life. Charlie was a dedicated member of New St. John Baptist Church, Dolomite, Alabama where he served until his passing.

A proud graduate of Abrams High School Class of 1980, Charlie went on to earn an Associate Degree in Architectural Drafting, from Lawson State Community College and continued his biblical studies at Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College. He was also a dedicated member of Mason Lodge #Hiram 21.

Charlie served the Bessemer City School System with integrity and humility as a Maintenance employee for many years, retiring in 2022. He was deeply respected by colleagues and students alike for his steady presence, strong work ethic, and kind heart.

His love for his community and especially its youth was evident in every part of his life. As the founder of Neighborhood of Winners (N.O.W.), Charlie poured into young people through coaching basketball and volleyball, teaching children's ministry and Bible study, mentoring, and even providing driving lessons. A gifted craftsman and artist, he owned Wren's Construction and enjoyed painting and drawing. Though known as an avid disciplinarian, his firm guidance was always delivered with compassion, wisdom, and genuine love. His impact on those he mentored will echo for generations.

Charlie was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jimmie Brooks Williams, Willie Williams, and Charlie Wren; his parents, Wilson Lee Wren, Sr. and Cornelia W. Johnson; his son, Kevin D. Amerson; his brother, David L. Wren; and other cherished family members who welcomed him home.

He leaves to honor and cherish his memory his loving wife, Evelyn Wren; his devoted dad, Deacon Matthew Johnson, Sr.; his children, Keturah Powell Corbett (Toborris), Charlie Wren, Jr. (Carmen), and Jacquetta M. Nelson (Antonio); his siblings, Wilson L. Wren Jr., Mary W. Wren, Pamela Daughtry-Clarke, Patricia Johnson, and Matthew Johnson Jr.; sisters-in-law, Veronica L. Rhodes (Gregory) and Annie Wren; brother-in-law, Tommy L. Amerson; great-aunts, Mary Woods-Reed and Yvette Harris Tysus; and his treasured grandchildren, Immanuel Powell, Charlie Wren III, Joshua Powell, Kayleigh Wren, Cayden Wren, Madalyn Powell, Ariel Powell, Anelia Nelson, and Brianna Nelson. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever remember his humor, guidance, strength, and love.

The life of Minister Charlie Wren, Sr. was a beautiful testament to faith, family, service, and purpose. Though his presence will be deeply missed, the light of his legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.