John Thomas Chisholm

John Thomas Chisholm, 77, of Charlotte, North Carolina, departed this earthly life on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Novant (Main) Hospital while in the Harris Hospice Unit after a very lengthy illness.

John was the sixth child born to the late Earl Arthur, Sr. and Alberta James Chisholm on May 24, 1940 in Charlotte, NC.

He was converted at an early age, and attended Gethsemane Baptist Church.  He later joined Reeder Memorial Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a member of the Usher Team for a time.

He was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system and graduated from West Charlotte High School in 1958.  He studied tailoring and construction which led him into his life’s works.

He met and fell in love with Shirley Louise Carter in 1959.  They wed on August 10, 1960 in York, S.C.  To this union of 57 ½ years four children were born.

John was employed as a tailor for J.O. Jones and Milton’s Cupboard men’s clothiers for many years.  He ventured into his own tailoring business, styling women’s fashion and occasionally hosting fashion shows.  His passion turned to construction and carpentry.  He could work wonders with his hands and loved being outdoors.  The longstanding results of his work can be found throughout all of the Charlotte area in various communities in the way of room additions, renovations, signs, landscaping, etc.

He was a visionary with a sharp creative edge.  He had many God-given and sought-after gifts and talents; and was a master of numerous trades: a tailor; a carpenter; a builder; an artist and more.  John unselfishly used his talents toward humanitarian endeavors enabling those in need.  It was not uncommon for him to lend a hand to family, neighbors and friends alike.  He truly cared about people and would give them the shirt off his back; without expecting anything in return and was well known within the community.

A personal spiritual encounter in 2009 catapulted him into a deeper search for, and a more intimate relationship with God.  He studied the word and enjoyed watching ministry television and listening to gospel music.

He took pleasure in family gatherings, yard work and fishing.  He was fascinated with trains and dreamt of one day becoming a conductor.

Preceding him in death were four sisters: Georgia Mae Davis of Charlotte, NC, Elnora Foster of Norristown, PA, Matilda Ross of Charlotte, NC, and Betty Jean Samuel of Norristown, PA; as well as three brothers: Earl Arthur Chisholm, Jr.; Andrew Chisholm, and Roosevelt all of Charlotte, NC.

He leaves to cherish his fond memory, his beloved wife, Shirley (“Stella”); three sons: Minister Darryl Chisholm (Dr. Elaine), Jeffrey Chisholm (Danita Coleman – aka “John T’s China Doll”) and Erik Chisholm (LaShonda) all of Charlotte, NC; one daughter (Elder Deborah Chisholm) of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Robert Lee Chisholm of Charlotte, NC; nine grandchildren: Ashley Lowe-Chisholm of Gastonia, NC; Travion Chisholm; Kierra Desmore, Deondre White, Kimora Chisholm, Jurnee Chisholm; Raven Young-McCarter (Jamaal); Minister Corey Young (Isha) and Donnell Hendrix (Nadja) all of Charlotte, NC; fourteen great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Robert Ross of Charlotte, NC; five sister-in-laws: Shirley H. Chisholm; Christine Chisholm-Carelock; Judy Chisholm all of Charlotte, NC, Johnnie Mae Richardson of Brooklyn, NY, and Annie Carter of Bridgeport, Connecticut; a special niece (aka bonus daughter): Bonnie Gaither of Camden, SC; a special nephew: Nelson Thompson of Wayne, PA; two beloved cousins George “Bird” Chisholm and Mary Louise Cassidy of Charlotte, NC; a devoted friend: Hazel Freeman of Charlotte, NC; a host of other cousins, nieces and nephews.