Charles William Cribbs, 89, of Battle Creek, MI, transitioned on Saturday afternoon, July 8, 2017.
Charles was born in Lee County, Arkansas on September 11, 1927 to parents Almon Wesley Sr. and Ella Cosby (Clayton) Cribbs and attended Marianna Public Schools. He moved to Battle Creek, Michigan at the age of 19, where he met Battle Creek resident Lucille Morris.The two married in 1949 and had two daughters from this union ending in divorce. Charles remarried in 1972 to Margaret Ozell Adams. Margaret passed away on November 24, 2013.
He retired as Foreman from Kellogg Company after 31 years and pursued a career in Real Estate. He ended his work career as a Transporter for Radiology Consultants.
Charles was a Community Activist that led the way in demanding integration in the Battle Creek workforce. He was the first African American elected to the Battle Creek Public School Board of Education serving in all positions over a 24 year span. He also served as President of both the N.A.A.C.P. and the Urban League and was a member of the Rotary Club. He served on various committees such as Huntington Chorea and was a Life member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church where he served on numerous committees and served as a Trustee.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his Wife, Margaret O. Cribbs; Brothers, Almon Wesley Jr., Dorres Miller and Vernell Gene; Sister, Ada Ernestine; Step-sons, Leon Alford and Leo Alford; Daughter, Doris Jean Cribbs; Step-Daughter, Barbara Chapman and Granddaughter, Tamika Alford.
Charles leaves to cherish his memory, Daughters, Yvonne A. Cribbs-Hoyt and Charlene J. Cribbs, Step-son, Eric Chapman all of Battle Creek and Brother Charles E. Cribbs of Little Rock, AK. Charles has 14 Grandchildren, 33 Great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

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