Dr. Audley Roy Charlton

Although it is impossible to fully capture Dr. Audley Charlton’s loving spirit, his joy-filled laughter, and his unwavering devotion to Christ in mere words, we honor and celebrate a life that reflected the heart of God in every way.

Dr. Audley Charlton (affectionately known as Pastor Charlton), pastor and professor for over forty years, was born on September 14, 1941, in Manchester, Jamaica. At the age of fourteen, through the faithful prayers and witness of a neighbor, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, a defining moment that shaped the rest of his life and calling. Shortly thereafter, he committed himself fully to the Lord’s service and pursued training for ministry at Jamaica Bible College, where he met the love of his life, Consie. They were married shortly after completing their studies and went on to share a wonderful life together, raising four daughters: Joy, Jennie, Janice, and Janell.

After serving in several churches in Jamaica, Pastor Charlton continued his theological studies in the United States at Baptist Bible College, where he and his wife also served as dormitory parents. He later attended Grace Theological Seminary as a full-time student in Winona Lake, Indiana, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology while working long hours to support his family. Even in the midst of an exhausting schedule, he remained a devoted and playful father, always greeting his children with open arms, laughter, and love.

Following a season of preparation for the mission field, Pastor Charlton and his wife became missionaries with Baptist International Missions. The Lord ultimately led the Charlton family to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Fulfilling a need for a Greek professor, Pastor Charlton very easily and smoothly became immersed in Bluewater Bible College, teaching numerous courses over the next 39 years. He served as Dean of Men, respectively. He later became the vice president of Bluewater Bible College. Pouring his heart, wisdom, and biblical insight into generations of students was his burning desire.

During his first year, while having a full teaching load, Pastor Charlton accepted a position as Assistant Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. However, a couple of years later, he found himself in the role of interim pastor. After a lot of soul searching and seeking the Lord’s will, he eventually accepted the role of Senior Pastor. Under his leadership, the church building was completed and dedicated. Additionally, he began preaching on Scripture Truth Broadcast, a radio ministry of Calvary Baptist Church, which he continued to do for almost 40 years, and was also involved actively in camp ministry for many decades.

Over the years, Pastor Charlton served Calvary Baptist Church with deep devotion. Nothing would make him more excited than seeing the many ways in which God moved. Burdened with a vision to reach young people for Christ, he played an instrumental role in the founding of Calvary Christian Academy, a lasting extension of the church’s ministry. His driving passion was to establish an environment where children could learn under caring and motivating teachers from a biblical worldview.

Pastor Charlton was a deeply respected and cherished member of the wider community. He delighted in being able to “love Jesus by loving His people,” and he lived that truth with quiet consistency. His desire to make a lasting impact for the Lord extended far beyond the pulpit or classroom. He served faithfully in the community, officiating weddings and funerals, attending local events, providing counsel and prayer, and lending his presence wherever he was needed, often to individuals who were not members of his church. It was almost unheard of for him to turn away anyone who sought his help. His kindness and integrity earned him the admiration not only of congregants but also of civic leaders; he was publicly recognized by governors and other officials who deeply valued and respected him.

Always friendly and personable, Pastor Charlton maintained a steady, kind presence—offering wise counsel, heartfelt empathy, and unwavering support and engagement to all who sought him. He was equally known for his joyful spirit: his abundant jokes, his infectious laughter, and the engaging smile that seemed to light every room he entered. Pastor Charlton never missed an opportunity to share something he found humorous or to erupt in heartfelt laughter at a joke offered by someone else, instantly making himself endearing to all who knew him. To know him was to feel both welcomed and valued; he embodied Christ’s love in every interaction.

In God’s perfect timing, and after years of perseverance, Pastor Charlton fulfilled a long-held goal in completing a Doctorate of Theology degree at Summit University, a testament to his lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and faithfully handling God’s Word. His accomplishment reflected not only intellectual dedication, but a humble desire to serve others with greater clarity and truth. Even in his later years, he continued to study, read, and sharpen his understanding of Scripture, modeling a faith that never stopped growing.

Although to many, Pastor Charlton was known as a diligent worker, a wise pastor, a passionate preacher, an insightful teacher, and an inspiring leader, to his family, he was simply “Dad” or “Daddy” — a gentle, steady, loving presence whose quiet humility and steadfast faith shaped their lives and love for Christ. Despite what commitments he had outside the home, he always made time for his family. Adored for his joking around (always), his patient listening, steady guidance, and his never-ending service to others, he embodied the definition of a loving and devoted father. He was an integral pillar in the home. As a husband, he was always attentive, protective, always searching for new ways to love and to serve. His life stands as a testimony of faithful service, sacrificial love, and unwavering commitment to the Lord.

Pastor Charlton’s legacy is lovingly remembered and upheld by his cherished wife, Consie Charlton; their adoring children, Joy Charlton, Jennie Charlton, Janice Charlton, and Janelle Charlton; beloved son-in-law, Gregory Jackson; and precious grandchildren, Bryce Jackson, Noelle Jackson, and Hunter Jackson. His brothers, Hubert Robinson, Vassel Brown, Kenneth Plummer; his sister, Marie Plummer; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family throughout his congregation and community also survive him.

Pastor Audley Charlton passed away on November 29, 2025, in Lynchburg, Virginia, at the age of 84 years. He was a true champion for Christ. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched for God’s glory. As he was so fond of saying, “It’s either here, there, or in the air.”

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m, with a funeral service at 12:00 p.m., all services will be held at Heritage Baptist Church, Lynchburg, Virginia.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.