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Charles Gaither Obituary

GAITHER

CHARLES CLIFTON GAITHER, III

Also known as "Baby Chase", born September 3, 2005, at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland to Charles and Megan Gaither, Jr., passed away peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Eve, 2006 at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC.

Chase fought a fierce battle to stay alive every day of his life, was a ray of sunshine and a beacon of hope in the eyes of his family and those around him.

His loved ones include his parents, Charles and Megan Gaither, Jr.; grandparents, Joan J. Ball, Earl and Pamela Ball, Charles and Alyce Gaither, Sr.; aunt, Maia Alees Gaither; uncles, Kevin, Keith and Corey Ball; a host of family, friends and dedicated medical staff at Holy Cross Hospital, Georgetown University Hospital, Children's National Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Services will be held at The Joshua Group Ministries, 111 Geneva Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301) 587-1621 on Saturday, December 30, visitation, 9 a.m. Service, 10 a.m. Interment at Rock Creek Cemetery, Rock Creek Church Road and Webster Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, immediately following the service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Gaither

Sponsored by Darlene R. Slaughter.

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July 26, 2008

PRAYING

December 4, 2007

still in my prayers

Alexcia and Joseph Wells

January 10, 2007

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with you and your family through this time of sorrow.

Kathryne Lewis (former coworker @ Verizon)

January 10, 2007

Charles & Megan,
My profoundest condolences to you, and your family on the loss of your beloved Baby Chase. Words cannot express what you are feeling right now, but rest assured that Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the Morning. It is my sincere prayer that your family collectively finds the strength needed to see you through this time of sorrow. Always, hold tight to the loving memories you have of Chase and he will live on forever in your hearts.

Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. - John 14:2

Brad Bauman

January 10, 2007

Charles and Meagan,

I am so very sorry about your loss, may your strength and God's love carry you forward at this difficult time.

All the love in the world,

Brad Bauman

Yvette Carter-Mitchell

January 9, 2007

Charles & Meagan,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. The Blessing is that you have wonderful memories of Baby Chase.

Mark & Yvette Downs

January 9, 2007

Charles & Megan
We too, have gone through this experience. I can only tell you that, in time, it gets easier. God will make a way. And, believe there is a devine plan. I wish you both all God's greatest gifts in the future.

Mark & Yvette Downs

January 9, 2007

Charles & Meagan
We too, have gone through this experience. I can only tell you that, in time, it gets easier. God will make a way. And, believe there is a devine plan. I wish you both all God's greatest gifts in the future.

Kent and Amanda Reichert

January 8, 2007

Charles and Megan,

Amanda and I offer our deepest condolences on your loss. We are blessed to have just celebrated our daughter Nuria's first birthday on January 1. Even at such a young age, she has left an indelible impression on us...and I know that you will always cherish the time you had together with your son. Our love and thoughts are with you.

PICU Nursing

January 7, 2007

Charles and Meagan
Chase was very blessed to have both of you. We in the PICU were constantly in awe of your strength and pure dedication to your beautiful son. You both made the hard decisions and allowed Chase to have a life full of love. His precense is truly missed here. You will all be in our thoughts for a long time to come.
The Nursing staff(PICU) CNMC

Kurt Vorndran

January 3, 2007

Charles and Megan,

I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Leslie Branson

January 3, 2007

Charles and Megan,

May the Lord guide you through these grief filled nights and days. And remember ... Baby Chase is full of glory and peace, for he is with the Lord where praises never cease. Christ gladly welcomed him to his heavenly home, where he is with loved ones -- rejoicing -- not alone.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Leslie Branson

Sharon Jackson-Bowman

January 3, 2007

Charles, Megan, and Family
May you find comfort in knowing Chase is now safe in God's arms.

Sharon, Thomas, Kamryn & Kyle
Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted.
—Matthew 5:4

Concha Johnson

January 3, 2007

Dear Charles and Megan,

There are no words to replace your loss of your beautiful baby boy. I pray that God will embrace you with comfort and peace. You were strong and devoted parents who did all you could to support your child. I applaud you for your devotion and love. Please know that while I could not be at the funeral in person, I am with you in prayer. God has plans for us, we can just pray to be strong enough to accept all we are to bear in HIS plan. I love you both
and pray for your continued strength.

Rhea Frazier

January 3, 2007

Megan and Charles, May God's loving arms surround you and may his ministering angels comfort you and your family during this time of great loss. Weeping may endure for a night but we praise God that joy does come in the morning!

Lawrence Hemphill

January 2, 2007

Dear friend Charles: Gwen and I offer you our profound sympathies for the loss of your child. While we cannot know how your anguish, please know that we tool feel the pain of your loss. As your friend please call on me anytime if there is anything I can do under these circumstance. I am also so sorry that I only learned about your loss on the day after New Year. May God bless you, keep you and comfort you in this hour of great sorrow. Larry and Gwen Hemphill

Cristal Baron McKenzie

January 2, 2007

Charles and Megan,
What a beautiful blessing you've had in your little boy. I was so sad to hear the news. I hope that his beautiful spirit gives you comfort at this difficult time. You are in our prayers.

jean seagears

January 2, 2007

Dearest Megan & Charles...We all know too well how painfully inadequate words are when our hearts ache like this. I stumble to find the right ones that will let you know how deeply, I hurt for you, and your family. May the wonderful memories you have provide you confort....I never met Chase, butI know Joan and Earl.. his grandparents. I will keep you and your family in prayer..Love and Hugs ...Jean(Baby Sis)Seagears

Barbara Clark

January 2, 2007

Charles and Megan,
Sorry that I was not able to personally extend my condolences because I remain out of town. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. My memory of Chase is of a beautiful smiling baby boy cradled in the arms of his loving daddy. May your memories bring you comfort.

Christina "Tina" and James Stewart (Maia's line sister)

January 2, 2007

Dear Charles and Meagan,
Our prayers are with you and your family during this time or sorrow. May God give you the strength that you need.

Pat Johnson

December 31, 2006

Charles and Megan,

Heidi and I just returned from vacation and were shocked to hear the news about Chase. We are so sorry to hear of Chase's passing - please know that you are in our prayers.

Lori Satterfield

December 31, 2006

Charles,

I am sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Brenda Hall

December 31, 2006

To Charles and Megan (loving Parents of Baby Chase)

You have been blessed with the joy of having one of God's precious gifts in your life. May the memories that you gathered be a light that will always shine in your hearts.

Know that you will be with your son again and he will be amongst the angels.

May the blessing of the lord smile upon you in your times of need.

My family's prayers are with you.

Reuben Drake

December 31, 2006

May God stretch his arms around the entire families during these difficult times. Our prayers and concerns are with you.
Reuben and Audrey

Linda Harllee Harper

December 31, 2006

Charles, Megan, and family,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that you now have a beautiful angel watching over you.

With Love,
Byron, Linda and Blake Harper

Liza Long

December 30, 2006

Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Gaither family. May God's love continue to strengthen and comfort you.

Liza "Deana" Long and family
(Maia's college roommate)

Sparkle Neal

December 30, 2006

Dear family I was sitting on the metro when I look down and seen the most hansome little boy,I do feel sorry for you I lost my daughter on Oct 23,2005 she was a month old. May god give you the strenght he blessed me with.

darlene landrum

December 30, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cordetta Rowe

December 30, 2006

I am very sorry that you lost Chase this, but remember that he is always with you and guiding you to a happy place. GOD BLESS. P.S.A. from MCU Childrens hospital

Stephen and Felicia Dillard

December 30, 2006

Charles and Megan,
We are saddened by your loss.

We send our memory of Chase smiling and kicking while being fed. Happily absorbing everything around him.

We send our prayers that God will comfort you during this time of grief, knowing that Chase is in God's arms smiling peacefully forever.

Christine Frederick

December 29, 2006

May God give both of you strength and courage to get through this very difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Kara and Kevin Morton

December 29, 2006

We know Chase brought so much light in your life, and we pray that light will shine brightly in your hearts forever.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Patricia Arrington

December 29, 2006

My deepest sympathy to you Charles,Megan and family. Chase had the biggest most beautiful angelic eyes I have ever seen. I will never forget meeting him and I thank you for allowing me that hello.

We will be thinking of you both and holding you close to our hearts,you have our sympathy. I am very sorry for your loss.

Patricia and family

Marlena Edwards

December 29, 2006

To the Gaither Family,
May God comfort you and bless you during your time of sorrow. Know that Chase's spirit will live forever in your hearts. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I give my deepest expressions of sympathy and if your family is in need of anything, then please feel free to contact me.

Elizabeth (and Ethan) Adams

December 29, 2006

Dear Charles and Megan –

I remember the first time I saw Baby Chase. Charles, Sr. and Charles, Jr. were strolling down 16th Street, and Charles, Jr. was cradling the most beautiful baby boy.
Megan, I have known your husband since jr. high school and have never seen him look as happy and proud as he did that day. The image of three generations of Gaither men walking down 16th street will always remain with me.

Please know that I am thinking about you and praying for you.

Adrienne Gillette

December 29, 2006

To the Gaither Family, Charles and Megan I am saddend to hear about your sweet baby boy "Chase" such a beautiful child. Please know that my prayers are with you, also know that your baby is with Gods Angels preparing him for when he sees you again. God Bless you and please know that I pray for your strength and your courage through it all. God will sustain you and see you through.

Sincerely, Adrienne "Bunny" Gillette

A Friend.

Vicci Saunders

December 29, 2006

Megan and Charles,

Remember that you are blessed. The beautiful spirit of Chase will love you and live with you forever. He is always with you -smiling.

Love
Vicci Lovette Saunders

Gina Willoughby

December 29, 2006

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious son. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Sherry Stevens-Lord

December 29, 2006

Charles & Megan,
My prayer for you is that God continually provides you peace, comfort and most of all understanding. Your child will always be an angel, a precious gift from God that visited this earth to express God's deep love for the both of you. Please know that our prayers and hearts are with you. Take comfort in knowing that Chase will always be with you in your hearts and you will reunite again in a better place.

Kelli Gray

December 29, 2006

Dear Charles and Megan,
We are devastated to hear of the loss of Chase. Our bond as parents of preemies is very strong and we are ALL grieving for you. Please know that you and Baby Chase are in our thoughts and prayers. We know that God will have a special place for him.
With deepest sympathies,
Kelli and Geoff Gray

Idah Maindidze

December 29, 2006

Megan and Charles,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Even though I never knew little Chase, I feel like I did because I know just what joy a child is to the parents.

Megan I know just what you are going through, and I pray that God give you and Charles the gift of his profound wisdom so that you may come to understand that your baby is now safe, beyond the struggles of this earth.Take the time to mourn him, but do not forget to treasure each other as well as the memories you have of your precious Angel.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as well as your friends and family who loved your baby and will also miss him. May God continue to bless and comfort you through this difficult time and forever.

William Highsmith

December 29, 2006

Charles and Megan,
We will certainly keep you in our prayers and thoughts.

Bill Highsmith & Family

Pat Zavosky

December 29, 2006

Megan and Charles: as you have been for the past year, you will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you again for allowing me to be part of Chase's short, but wonderful, life.

smith

December 29, 2006

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Beth Bender

December 29, 2006

There just aren't any words. Chase was unbelievably strong and fought so hard. He had the best parents anyone could ask for, and I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.

Tia Martin

December 29, 2006

Charles & Megan,
You're in my thoughts and prayers, now and in the days to come. May God's comfort be yours.
Love,
Tia

Nikki Newsome

December 29, 2006

Mr.& Mrs. Gaither,
May the Lord give you the strength to endure this difficult time in your life. Precious "Baby Chase" will be missed so much. I'm praying for you.
Love,Peace & Blessings,Nikki (CNMC P.I.C.U.)

Charmaine Gladden

December 29, 2006

To The Gaither I only knew little Chase for a short time I would watch him every night kick his little feet up in the air, Chase was a fighter, I just want you both to now that you will always be watch because now you have your own personal angel that is going to follow you where you go. I will miss my baby boy and I will always remember his strength and carriage to be a fighter even in the bad times take care and we all from PICU here at Children's will miss him. "Sleep Will Baby Chase"

Teisha Davis

December 28, 2006

Your family has my condolenses. I am Sharon and Leroy Brooks' goddaughter. I met you at Mrs. Mannings birthday party and then met you again at Children's Hospital this summer. Chase was a handsome adorable boy. I remember everyone at the hospital going crazy after him and saying..."hey boyfriend Chase, we miss you". I could tell he was loved by many people.

Teisha Davis

Dan Wedderburn

December 28, 2006

Charles and Megan,

I am terribly sorry about your wonderful son who you have loved so much and cared for with all your heart. My deepest sympathies for your loss.

Gail Elkins

December 28, 2006

Charles and Megan:

It is with deep sadness that I write these words to you to express my family's sympathy for the loss of precious little Chase. Our prayers for your inner peace and strength through and beyond this difficult time are with you and your family. If there is anything we can do to help you please do not hesitate to call.

Gail & Arthur Elkins

Jonathan Bean and Jill Patton

December 28, 2006

Charles and Megan,
What a wonderful gift to have had such a beautiful young child and experience his spirit. Know that we are here for you.

Melvin Hines

December 28, 2006

Charles, my heart goes out to you and your wife at this most unfortunate time. My deepest prayers go out to your son and your family.

Sean Gough

December 28, 2006

Charles, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your son. Please know that if you or your wife need anything, I am a phone call away. May God continue to give you and your family the strength necessary to make it through it tough time.

My deepest,
Sean Gough

Darlene Slaughter

December 28, 2006

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Niki and Matthew McCombs

December 28, 2006

Charles and Megan, our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Tracey Speller Hoston

December 28, 2006

Dear Charles and Megan,

Mere words can't express the sorrow that I'm feeling at this moment as a parent and as your friend. Norm and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family and know that you are in our prayers. God Bless You!

Stephen Gorman

December 28, 2006

My deepest condolences.

Lynne Shaw

December 28, 2006

Dearest Charles and Megan,
I fell in love with Baby Chase the moment I met him at TJGM that wonderful Sunday last April. Thank you for allowing me to coddle him and look into his eyes. I pray every day for God to wrap His loving arms around you with peace and comfort and I want you to know that He will. Whenever you need a friend, I will be here.
Love Always,
Lynne

Donna Ellis

December 28, 2006

Dear Charles and Megan,

It is with a heavy heart that I send this message of love to you and your family, on the home going of Baby Chase, know that the Ellis family is praying for you. Know that Baby Chase is in Heaven, being cared for by the angels and is perfectly happy.

Donna , Milfred & Milfred,II Ellis

Harry Robinson

December 28, 2006

Megan and Charles, are prayers are with you during this difficult time in your life together. Our love to you, Dianne and Harry Robinson

Kristal Wilson

December 28, 2006

Megan and Charles,

May the love you had for your presious little boy carry you through this time of sadmess. Please know that I, along with the rest of your friends and family, are here to love and support you always.

Love,
Kristal, Marc and Breanna

Cristina Murphy Griffith (friend of Melanie & Marie)

December 28, 2006

Dear Charles and Megan -

I am so sorry for the loss of your precious angel. Any parent can empathize, though never fully understand, the grief that you face today and forever. Know that you are in the hearts and prayers of many.

Rolena Martin

December 28, 2006

May memories of your precious child comfort you at this difficult time.

Lanette, Leonardo, Toine, Rique and Drew Aguilar

December 28, 2006

Dear Charles and Megan,
Chase was a strong fighter and such a beautiful gift, we’re really sorry he wasn't able to spend more time here surrounded by your love. May your memories of him comfort you always and we pray that you will find peace and understanding through your sorrow.

Jeffrey Norman

December 28, 2006

Charles and Megan, My deepest sympathies for the loss of your son. Jeff Norman

Marian Stevens

December 28, 2006

Megan and Charles,

My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Yvette Alexander

December 28, 2006

Dear Charles and Megan,

Know that God will always be there for you and in Him, you will find strength, hope, love and peace. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless

Michelle Elden

December 28, 2006

We all enjoyed taking care of Chase on the Medical Care Unit @ Children's. We will miss his big bright eyes and adorable curls. Let us know if you need anything.

Nigel Gragg

December 28, 2006

This is very sad news. I know you will forever have him in your hearts. I wish your family a wonderful future.

Jennifer Bernier

December 28, 2006

Megan and Charles - I am very blessed to have met Chase and I know that he fought so very hard everyday. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dorothy Weathers

December 28, 2006

Charles,
My thoughts and prayer are with you and Megan. Chase fought the battle and won. He is now with Jesus.

Mathew 19:14 "Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.

As much as we all love "Baby Chase", GOD loved him best.

Monda Webb

December 28, 2006

Megan and Charles. Proverbs says we shouldn't lean on our own understanding. I agree. Only God knows. He now has a beautiful angel to keep him company. The Bible also says God will supply you with all your needs according to his riches and glory. He will give you strength you didn't know you had. I love you both, and in the phrase of the trite and true, if you need anything...

Kathy Weaver

December 28, 2006

Dear Megan and Charles:

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your darling Chase. We know how dedicated both of you were to him and hope that cherished memories sustain you during this difficult time. Take good care of one another and know that we admire both of you for being wonderful parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lovingly, Kathy Mitchell Weaver and family

Elizabeth Turner

December 28, 2006

May god bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.


(Lila Baldwin's Friend)

Auntie Lila Baldwin

December 28, 2006

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Love Auntie Lila

Eilis Murphy

December 28, 2006

Megan and Charles- You both are in my heart and in my prayers. I wish I had the words that would make you feel better. But we all know only time can heal. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I will always remember Megan's smile and the light in her eyes when she told stories about little Chase. I know that you both will always have fond memories of your baby boy.

B. Smith

December 28, 2006

Megan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Valaree Moodee

December 28, 2006

Dear Megan and Charles, there are no words fit to describe the loss of your child, but take comfort in knowing that he was a blessed child who was on loan to you for a purpose that is yet to be revealed. May his soul find rest in God's Kingdom and may your hearts be comforted with his love.

Breanna Conley

December 28, 2006

I first met "Baby Chase" at Childrens Medical Center over the summer of 2006, i was visiting a good friend of mine who worked up there in 4 green. ( you know who she is) I love and have always loved children so as soon as i seen Chase i had Fallen in love with him, he was just the sweetest baby with the kindess eyes that made you fall in love with him everytime. What a strong lil guy to go through what he was and remain so happy and full of life. Chase let me hold him and play with him for awhile while he waited for his apt, and i loved evey minute of it. Even though i only had the pleasure of being in his company for a short time he touched my heart in more ways then one. He will be truly missed by all, my heart and prayers go out to his Mother and Father who are wnderful people as well, and i just want them to know i will keep Chase in their Family in my Prayers today and always.

Paul Rowson

December 28, 2006

Dear Megan, my heart goes out to you and your family. May you and your husband find peace in your son's memory and comfort in the love of your God, family, and friends. We will remember all of you in our family prayers.

Jimmy and Kim Gibbs

December 28, 2006

Our prayers are with you during this time. Words can't express the loss you must be feeling. I came across an article yesterday that had a phrase in it that I found very touching and that I wanted to share with you both. "There is no life without loss. We learn how to live through the losses." We are blessed to have known him, even if only for a short time. God bless you both and Baby Chase.

Nancy Monroe

December 28, 2006

Charles and Megan,

Words can not express the grief and loss we feel for you. Chase was a smiling and happy boy whenever we saw him. We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family and will keep you in our prayers.

God bless you, Gary & Nancy Monroe and family.

Vonnie, Donnell & Tyler Jones (15th PL)

December 28, 2006

Charles and Megan -

Chase is in heaven now, and at peace. There are no words that can truly comfort at a time like this. Please know that your family is in our prayers.

Holley Waldron

December 28, 2006

Megan and Charles, Chase was truly the light for all of us and the sender of messages about strength in more ways than we will ever know. My heart is with you and Chase - my faith tells me he is watching over us as miracles always do.

Love,

Holley

Linda Smith

December 28, 2006

I never knew "Baby Chase" until I read his obituary. When I looked into his eyes; I knew that he was the joy of your lives. My heart goes out to his parents, grandparents and his family. I can not conceive of losing one of my two daughters or granddaughter; but I liken it to when I was a child and I lost my mother. Know that comfort will come; peace will abide; and God will wrap his arms around you in your moments of despair.

May God bless you and I mourn the loss of Baby Chase with you.

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