Charles Webster, 84, of Lanham, Maryland.

Dr. Charles Webster, DDS, long and exemplary life came to an end on January 12, 2021.  He died from complication of a fall that occurred at his house on November 4th.

Charles was born on December 15, 1936 in Lecompte, Louisiana to Charles and Carrie (Hill) Webster. He was the first of "Miss Carrie's boys" and occasionally liked to refer to himself as a "southern boy."  That term was interpreted as more than a place, but, as the values he received from his parents.  From his father, a work ethic requiring you to do the best you can at your job, from his mother, a lifelong and devout Christian, a faith in God that he kept throughout his life.  Growing up in central Louisiana in the late forties and early fifties as a skinny kid, his friends nicknamed him Skeet.  To his family, his nickname was (and is) Brother.  It was during this time that he developed a passion for basketball.  He attended Carter C. Raymond High School from first grade until graduation in 1954.  He attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, graduating with a BS Degree in Microbiology in 1959.  Another highlight of his time at Southern was becoming a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity member – something he cherished the rest of his life.

Charles was the first in our family to graduate from college. That provided an example to us that completing high school was not enough, we needed to reach higher.  He completed the master's program, again reaching higher and finally completed the Dentistry Program, again reaching higher.  He took pride in being the son of a father who completed third grade and a mother who completed eighth grade, but provided the foundation for his academic achievement.

His long professional career began at National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Washington, DC as a Research Microbiologist in 1963.  Always interested in more education, Charles attended Howard University, graduating with a master's degree in microbiology in 1971.

Sometimes the career you initially choose does not provide the opportunity you initially thought. Charles did not see a future in microbiology and decided in midlife to become a dentist.  Ignoring the naysayers, he graduated from Howard University School of Dentistry in Washington DC with a DDS degree and so began the second part of his professional life. Very few of us are willing to take a big leap and change careers in midlife, but Chuck (as he was known to his many friends) never settled in his professional life for a career that was not rewarding.  He established a dental practice in 1978 in Washington DC where he worked until his death.

When reviewing a life, highlighted are the awards, degrees, etc., but that is incomplete – a fuller view is the friendships made and what people say about the person.  Chuck established friendships that began in the 1960's and continued until his death.  How you treat people and are you there when needed is what provides a fuller picture of a life.

He was a longtime member of Zion Baptist Church, Washington, DC and remained a faithful believer in the gospel even as others strayed.  As a scientist and as a believer in the gospel, there was no conflict within him.

As the oldest male in a family of 7, he provided an example of academic achievement but remained grounded to discuss everyday concerns and encouraged us to strive for excellence.

He continued to work at his dentist office until the home accident.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Charles and Carrie), a brother, James and a sister, Matilda. His memories will be cherished in the hearts of his sisters; Juanita Webster of New York, NY and Dorothy Webster Silas of Alexandria, LA.  His brothers; Robert Webster of Orlando, FL and Harold Webster of Washington, DC, in-laws; Delores Webster and Lucille Webster, caring and devoted friends; Warren Taylor, Dr. Matthew Kinnard, Dr. Jonathan Roberts, a nephew, nieces and other relatives.

Left with cherished memories is his longtime companion/friend, Lillian Fisher. They shared many years of love and support that enhanced each other's life.

Charles' list of friends include; Edward Radden, Dowell Davis, John Stanfield, Charles Patterson, Anthony Rene, Robert (Bobby) Jones, Julius Brantley, Mint Basnight, James Barnes, Harold Harris Charlie Barr, Ronald and Syd Carter.

In the time of Covid-19, restrictions make it difficult to be with someone as the transition to another life occurs.  But his family was always there as he led the way with his academic achievement, showing how to live a good life. Brother, we will miss you.

A favorite passage of his was the words on a plaque given to him by his mother:

May You Have Enough Happiness To Keep You Sweet -- Enough Trials To Keep You Strong -- Enough Sorrow to Keep You Human -- Enough Hope To Keep You Happy -- Enough Failure To Keep You Humble -- Enough Success To Keep You Eager -- Enough Friends To Give You Comfort -- Enough Wealth To Meet Your Needs -- Enough Enthusiasm To Look Forward -- Enough Faith To Banish Depression -- Enough Determination To Make Each Day Better Than Yesterday

Military Honors and Interment, 1:30 pm, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, Virginia 22172. In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity.