Charles J. Scriven

Born on July 13, 1932, in Jacksonville, Florida, Charles James Scriven was the fourth child of Mary Scott and Lifton James “L.J.” Scriven. His journey from humble beginnings to beloved leader is a testament to his unyielding faith in God and dedication to living a life of service. He lived by the belief that being a man of honor far outweighed the pursuit of mere success, a principle that shone through in his every action.

In his passing, Charles leaves behind his beloved wife of 69 years, Jeannetta Scriven, a true partner in life and service. Their union was more than a marriage; it was a partnership that embodied love, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to bettering their community.

As a devoted father, Charles instilled in his children - Rosemary (deceased) (Orlando), Lansing (Mary), Leonard, and Renee (Harold) - the values of integrity, service, and compassion. He was a role model in his words and deeds, guiding his family with the same tenderness and wisdom for which he was revered in his community. He also leaves a host of beloved family members and friends.

Brothers: James Scriven, Jr. (Jeanette) and Adrian Cody (Deloris).

Grandchildren: Danielle McClendon (Midquel), Damon Mosley (Jacquelyn), Tyler Scriven (Faith), Jessica Scriven, Sarah Scriven, Charles Scriven, Joseph Scriven, Mark Scriven (Jesse), Jordyn Scriven, and Matthew Scriven.

Great-grandchildren: Camryn McClendon, Camille McClendon, Patterson Scriven, Ali Scriven, Eli Scriven, and Charli Jae Scriven.

Nieces & Nephews: Denise Hall (Walter), Francina Bing (Gregory), Helen Scriven, Wisteria Cody, Carmella Cody, Carolyn Kirce, Kandi Jackson, Selena Samuels, Henry Jackson (Ettina), and Sharon Betts (James).

Sisters-in-Law: Gladys Wiggins (James) and Carol Dunlap.

Preceding Charles in death were five of his siblings: Robert Lee Quinn, George Scriven, Mary Peterson (Joseph), Frances Harper (William), and Jean Scriven, and a nephew, Randall Scriven.

Charles’s remarkable career in public service was marked by courage and determination. Starting as a patrolman with the Jacksonville Police Department in 1955, he rose through the ranks of the police department, later renamed as the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, amidst the challenging landscape of racial discrimination. As one of only a few dozen Black officers in the South, he served with distinction despite the prejudice and obstacles placed before him. In 1957, he sought admission to the Jacksonville chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was denied admission because of his race. In 2019, the Fraternal Order of Police publicly apologized to him for the injustice he suffered in 1957, and he attended his first meeting as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police some 62 years after he applied.

Over two decades, Charles broke barriers, rising through the ranks to Sergeant and Lieutenant, culminating in his appointment as the Sheriff’s Office’s first Black Division Chief in 1973. In 1975, his career reached new heights when Florida Governor Reubin Askew appointed him as the first African American member of the Florida Parole and Probation Commission. He was reappointed by Governor Bob Graham to a second term on the Commission and also served as Chairman of the Commission. During his tenure on the Commission, Charles brought wisdom and compassion, balancing justice with mercy as he considered the rehabilitation of thousands of men and women.

His retirement in 2003 as a Major from the Florida Department of Business Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, marked the culmination of a distinguished and honored career in public service.

Parallel to his pioneering law enforcement career, Charles's spiritual journey as a minister was equally impactful. His ministry reached tens of thousands, offering guidance, comfort, and inspiration.

Charles's pastoral service spanned over five decades, during which he provided solace and inspiration from the pulpit. His sermons and loyal stewardship left an indelible mark on countless lives. His early roles included serving as the Assistant Pastor at Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, laying the foundation for his lifelong dedication to ministry.

In 1966, Charles became the Pastor of the First African Baptist Church in St. Mary’s, Georgia, where he served until 1975. He enjoyed a special bond with the members of First African Baptist Church as both he and the church’s members continued showering each other with love long after his pastorship. From 1975 to 1981, he served on the ministerial staff of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church in Jacksonville, Florida. He later served as an Associate Minister at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and as Assistant Pastor at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, both in Tallahassee, Florida. His journey continued at Beulah Hill Baptist Church in Gretna, Florida, where his leadership further solidified his reputation as a source of solace and inspiration. He also shepherded the First Elizabeth Baptist Church in Quincy, Florida. Charles's pastoral journey culminated at Corinth Christian Fellowship in Quincy, Florida.

Charles's spiritual leadership extended beyond the pulpit. He epitomized the role of shepherd, guiding his parishioners through challenges and celebrating their triumphs alongside them. His decades-long role as a chaplain in various hospitals and hospices further underscored his commitment to living a life of dedicated service and ministry.

His pursuit of knowledge was relentless. Charles was a proud 1951 graduate of Jacksonville’s historic Stanton High School. There, he met his mentor, Ms. Thelma Hair Jones, whom he credited for putting him on the path to success. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Edward Waters College and his master’s degree from Stetson University. His thirst for knowledge was never quenched as he regularly attended seminary training at various institutions well into his advanced years of pastoral service, including the Princeton Theological Seminary on several occasions. In 2022, Charles published a book titled “Justice in the Jim Crow South,” a poignant chronicle of the courageous stories of the Black police officers who, despite racial prejudice and discrimination, paved the way for acceptance and equality in the ranks of law enforcement. Beyond his own writing, Charles was an avid book collector and reader, having amassed an extensive and celebrated library of historical books on Christianity, pastoral care, philosophy, and the black experience in America.

Over the course of his lifetime, he was the recipient of several awards presented by various civic and professional organizations. In the intricate tapestry of Charles J. Scriven's life, each thread - be it his professional achievements, his unwavering faith, or the countless lives he touched - intertwined to create the portrait of a man whose existence transcended the ordinary. He was a beacon of love, grace, and purpose, remembered not just for the roles he held but, more simply, as he often humbly referred to himself - “God’s Little Helper.” This simple yet profound self-description captures the essence of a life lived in selfless service and boundless compassion.

As we bid farewell to Charles, we celebrate not only what he accomplished but the person he was at his core. His spirit, teachings, and love will continue to resonate for generations to come within his family, his community, and all those privileged to have known him.

In his memory, we celebrate the power of faith, the nobility of service, and the enduring influence of a life extraordinarily well-lived. May he rest in peace.