Charles W. Slater, 83, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on January 4, 2021. Charles was born in Sunny South Alabama on May 28, 1937. Later the family relocated to Philadelphia, PA. Charles received his education through the Philadelphia school system. His father was a minister who taught christianity, so naturally he had a christian upbringing. His parents eventually divorced and Charles decided to live with his father for a while in Boston, Mass. While living in Boston a friend invited Charles to a meeting at the Muslim Mosque. Once he heard the teachings of the honorable Elija Muhammad he knew this was a journey he needed to explore and he eventually converted to Islam. Charles decided to move back to Philadelphia where he began his training in the Muslim ministry. The minister at the Mosque in Camden, New Jersey decided to step down, Charles was selected to take over his ministry. Charles did not disappoint the expectations of the Mosque, his delivery of the message was always brilliant, motivational and inspirational.

In 1960 Charles met Gloria Mason and both decided to get married in 1962 and from that union they had four beautiful children. A few years later Charles moved his family to Chicago where he decided to join Mosque Maryam under the teachings of Minister Louis Farrakhan. Charles became a consultant for The Final Call Newspaper. His passion was cooking, he worked at many restaurants across Chicago and eventually became head Chef of The Salam Restaurant. From that Charles began his own catering business until his health failed.

Charles leaves behind a wife, Gloria Slater and five children to cherish his memory; Cheryl Slater of New York, Khaliel Slater (Benita) of New Castle, Delaware, Leila Slater Chess (Jimmy), Brian Slater, and Tempal Slater — all of Chicago, IL. He also leaves behind three grandchildren – Jerome E. Watson of Chicago, IL, Kimani Slater and Kamelah Slater of New Castle, Delaware.

He leaves behind one sister and one brother — Lucy Garner (Frederick) of Philadelphia, Pa, Rainy Slater Jr. of Boston, Ma.

Charles was preceded in death by his sister Joyce Williams, brother James E. Slater, nieces, Rhonda Slater, Cheryl Williams and parents Rhoda J. Slater Alexander and Rainy D. Slater Sr.