Christford Joseph Jno-Charles

Early Life

Christford “Valo” Jno Charles was born in St. Joseph, Dominica to Emmanuel “Papi” Jno Charles and May Dyer. He was the first born of the 27 children between both parents. Although it is not clear how he got the name “Valo”, it was one of many monikers, Aka, “Ti Chapo” which got when a white visitor gave him a hat filled with money to start his business and “Daddy Chris“ which he got for always listening to- and helping to solve people’s problems within the parish.

Schooling and work

Christford was educated at the Grammar School in Roseau, DA. He was born to an industrious family and followed suite. As a young man, Christford worked with the Dominica, West Indies Government, Ministry of Alcohol, where he was inspector general. He also served as a Bailiff, delivering court documents. While Christford exhibited a passion for his career in government, he quickly realized that entrepreneurship was his calling. He was a jack of many trades, and mastered many of them! Christford was a truck and taxi driver, and expanded to a fleet, employing other drivers and cadets. He also owned a gas station, bakery and grocery store. He also owned a bar, but was not a drinker. He was also a tailor and enjoyed carpentry tremendously. At that pivotal moment of his life he transitioned to a field he was quite familiar, given his family’s legacy- agriculture. As a plantation owner, he employed crop sharers producing banana and citrus crops and other special vegetables.

Marriage and family

In 1953, Christford married his first wife, the beautiful Fanny Shillingford. They were together until her untimely passing in 1986.

He subsequently married Octavia Charles, who also passed away. Valo believed strongly in providing for his family, and there were many. Daddy Chris had 15 children, 14 surviving, 48 surviving grand children and many great and great, great grand children. He believed he should always “have something in the cupboard for visiting family and friends.” Also, he is survived by 20 brothers and sisters, and nieces and nephews and cousins too numerous to mention. Special nieces included Monica McKenzie and Lynton Scotland.

Hobbies and service

While he loved to travel, laugh and have a good time, he was not a man of leisure. He enjoyed carpentry and was a fervent “people-watcher". Valo was known for his phrase “First Class” Good Food & 100%. And He was recognized by his hearty laugh!

Survivors

Daughters:

Melanie Castor, Fern Jno Charles, Mona Jno Charles – Stowe, Dawn Jno Charles, Carol Jno Charles, and Angie Jno Charles

Sons:

Michael “Cavendish” Jno Charles, Fitz “Ob” Jno Charles, Vincent “Tess” Jno Charles, Ingrid Jno Charles, Edrick Jno Charles (d), Anthony “Akoy” Jno Charles, Edmond “Two-boy” Jno Charles and Jerry Jno Charles,

Grandchildren:

Danley Cuffy, Marisel and Delivette Castor, Cuancha and Chaka Serrant, Gordon Moreau Jr., Calvin Sablon, Stacie Pierre Loius, Siaka and Jamal Pierre, Taylor Michelle Pike, Tessa Pike, Hasani Jones, and Stefan, Shon, Kishma, KeeOne, Shinkey, Shanley, Edrick, Dwight, Mavia, Jalisa, Xavain, Sheree, Latoya, Alex Bell, Cayon, Brent, Brandon, Brett, Jeddi, Josiah, Ellen, Ellody, Tarsha, and Abbey Jno Charles

Great Grandchildren

Kemisha Didier, Tresel “Fanny” & Treston “Papi” Benjamin, DanleyAnna Cuffy, Iva Castor Valigy, Joelle, Christian,

Layann, Michelle, Mickel, Makida, Mikella, Ellisha, Khamal, Khaliah Jno Charles

Great great grandson: Kai

Sisters:

Also, he is survived by 20 brothers and sisters (Vanoulst Jno Charles, Hugh Jno Charles, Hilary, Clancy and Zennie George, Cuthbert and Keith Ravalier, (d), Mavie Fredrick, Alvin Jno Charles, Mable Jno Charles, Julius Jno Charles, (d), Milda Pascal, Annette Stedman, Ruth Webster, Richard Jno Charles, Lorna Jno Charles, HIldreth Jno Charles, Emerson Jno Charles, Charmain Scotland. The number of nieces, nephews, including Monica McKenzie,