STAR Center founder, Charles Doumitt Sr., passes away at 82
JACKSON, Tenn. — ‘A passionate person with a larger than life personality’ is just one of the phrases used to remember one local founder.
“I believe that the Doumitts, Chuck Sr. in particular, brought to the table a ‘Never can say no’ attitude. We’re gonna help people and we’re gonna get over the obstacles,” said Jennifer Graves, the president of the STAR Center.
Charles Doumitt, also known as “Chuck” died at his home on Tuesday, July 2.
Graves said that she met Doumitt 18 months ago while hosting a dinner in the Doumitt family’s honor.
Graves said that Doumitt’s passion to create the STAR Center began with two of his children who faced disabilities.
“The STAR Center came from George and Angela Doumitt. Our building is dedicated to George and Angela. They each had ‘Batten disease’ which caused individuals to go blind and have significant other issues,” said Graves.
Since Doumitt and his wife Margaret couldn’t find a place to serve their children in the South, this pushed them both to create the STAR Center.
Although it began in 1988 in the basement of the gymnasium of West Jackson Elementary, by 2005, the Doumitts purchased the former USJ Elementary School building.
“We want to help individuals with disabilities be all that they can be. Chuck Doumitt Sr., as well as Margaret, Chuck Jr., Rose Marie and of course Theresa Doumitt, they were all part of it. This was a family operation and I think as I have come on board, what I have tried to bring is a spirit of family as well,” said Graves.
Graves said that Doumitt made sure the STAR Center was a place that people wanted to come to for 36 years.
“I want people to know who we are and what we do. The Star Center’s an incredible place and there’s nothing like it here anywhere else in Tennessee that has the vast variety of services that we do,” said Graves.
She also says they plan to do more work to keep the STAR Center going for at least 36 more.
“If a person wants to donate to the STAR Center in Chuck Doumitt Sr.’s honor, they can go to our website which is www.star-center.com/donate,” said Graves.
A burial for Doumitt will be held on Wednesday, July 10th at 4:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
It’s located at 1665 Highway 45 Bypass in Jackson.
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