CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The A.M.E. Zion Church and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community are grieving the loss of Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr., who passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Known as a respected spiritual leader, Bishop Battle’s legacy spans decades of service and leadership both within the church and beyond.
A.M.E. Zion Church officials said he held numerous roles, tirelessly working to serve others and inspire those around him. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education also expressed sorrow, remembering Bishop Battle as an advocate for education.
A past board member for 17 years, including four years as chairperson, CMS said his work helped shape the community, particularly for children facing economic and social challenges. He was the founder of the Greater Enrichment Program, which has supported over 100,000 children since its inception in 1975, offering tutoring, cultural learning, and a safe environment.
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 20: NOBCO Leadership honors Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr. (center-seated) during the NOBCO Annual Awards Luncheon on day two of the 2023 37th Annual NOBCO Economic Development Conference at The Westin Charlotte on October 20, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for NOBCO) -
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 20: Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr. speaks during the NOBCO Annual Awards Luncheon on day two of the 2023 37th Annual NOBCO Economic Development Conference at The Westin Charlotte on October 20, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for NOBCO) -
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 20: NOBCO Leadership honors Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr. (center-seated) during the NOBCO Annual Awards Luncheon on day two of the 2023 37th Annual NOBCO Economic Development Conference at The Westin Charlotte on October 20, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for NOBCO)
Funeral arrangements are set for March 16 and 17, with visitation on Sunday, March 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gethsemane A.M.E. Zion Church and the funeral service on Monday, March 17, at Livingstone College.
The A.M.E. Zion Church has called for all churches to drape the center chair in black through April 8, 2025, in honor of Bishop Battle’s memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greater Enrichment Program, a testament to Bishop Battle’s lifelong commitment to supporting the community.
