Charles Barrett

Elzie Charles Barrett was born in Palestine, Texas, a small town in East Texas. He is the eighth child of eleven children born to the union of Bishop Tyree and Queen Esther Barrett. Elzie was brought up in a very strict home, where he attended a Methodist church and was taught the Word of God.

In 1970, Elzie Charles received his diploma from Neches High School. After graduating from high school, he came to Fort Worth, Texas, where he worked for a blueprint company for over 23 years. He later enrolled in air-conditioning and clectrical classes, where he received his certificate in air-conditioning. In 1971, Superintendent Barrett married the love of his life, Ida Mae Busby, and they have been married for 51 years. To this union, the Lord blessed them with two precious children, Kathy and Ezzard Charles.

The Lord saved and filled Superintendent Barrett with the Holy Ghost under the leadership of the late Superintendent

 Robert L. Macklin, who was the pastor and founder of The Rising Star Church of God in Christ. Superintendent Macklin became his spiritual father and mentor and trained him for the great task that was ahead of him. Superintendent Barrett had served as a Junior Deacon for a short time when the Lord called him to preach the Gospel. Upon Superintendent Macklin observing Superintendent Barrett, he saw the love that he had for the people and took him off his job and appointed him full-time Assistant Pastor of The Rising Star Church of God in Christ.

 Under Superintendent Macklin, he served as the YPWW President for over 25 years. He organized the Video Ministry and as the Assistant Pastor, he served in numerous capacities of the church. In the Starlight District under District Superintendent Macklin, he _ served as the District Sunday School Superintendent and Treasurer.

In 2004, the Lord called Superintendent Macklin from labor to reward. Before his demise, Superintendent Macklin let it be known that he wanted Superintendent Barrett to succeed him as pastor of this great church. At the demise of Superintendent Macklin, Superintendent Barrett was installed as Pastor of The Rising Star Church of God in Christ by the late Bishop James Edward Lee, Prelate of the Texas East Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Under Superintendent Barrett's pastorate, souls were added to the church, and Gods favor continued to prevail in the church. God told Joshua, The church advanced to the next level under the leadership of Superintendent Barrett.

After being installed as Pastor, the Lord continued to exalt Superintendent Barrett. He was promoted and installed as an Assistant District Superintendent, under District Superintendent Johnny Castleberry; after Superintendent Castleberry resigned as District Superintendent, Superintendent Barrett was promoted and installed as District Superintendent of the Starlight District. In 2009, he was promoted and installed as a Special Assistant to the late Bishop James E. Lee, Prelate of Texas East Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. continued to prevail in the church. God told Joshua, "... so I was with Moses, so I'll be with thee." (Joshua 1:5), where he faithfully severed him until his demise.

 The Rising Star Church of God in Christ continued to increase and flourished under his leadership. He loved people; his passion was for the lost to find refuge in Christ. He had a deep love for those hurting and suffering. Superintendent Barrett loved people and was devoted to reaching souls for Christ.

Superintendent Barrett was preceded in death by his parents: Bishop Tyree and Queen Esther Barrett; and siblings: Bishop Barrett, Patricia Miller, Vern Craddock, and Vera Miller.

He leaves to cherish his unforgettable memory, his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Mother Ida M. Barrett; one daughter: Kathy Barrett Gills (Larry); one son: Ezzard Charles (DeShuna), all of Arlington, Texas; grandsons: Dwayne Barrett (DeKeisha) of Dallas, Texas, Taylor Scott, Charles Barrett, and Trenton Gills; granddaughter: Brianna Gills; great-grandchildren: Daliah, Dailyn, Zayyden, Shalom, and Shamour, all of Fort Worth, Texas, and Caylan Ceasar, Jasmine Robinson, and Cerenity Ceaser; two sisters: Odessa Session and Dianna (Glenn) of Fort Worth, Texas; four brothers: Artis Barrett (Velencia), Lawrence Barrett (Rebecca), Bennie Barrett (Janice), and Thomas Barrett (Sharon) all of Fort Worth, Texas; godchildren: Jason and Angela Roseberry; god-granddaughters: Zoe Roseberry and Justice Harkless; god-grandsons: Eugene, Jason, Luke, and Jacob Roseberry; The Rising Star Church Family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.