Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight has captivated audiences on Netflix, sparking curiosity about the true story behind the film. Many wonder how Charity Adams Earley, portrayed by Kerry Washington, died and the legacy she left behind.
So how did The Six Triple Eight’s Charity Adams die and what’s the true story? Let’s explore the details of her death and her remarkable life.
How did The Six Triple Eight’s Charity Adams Earley Die?
The Six Triple Eight’s Major Charity Adams Earley died at the age of 83 on January 13, 2002 in her hometown of Dayton, Ohio.
Earley’s legacy has endured in several ways, both before and after her demise. An all-girl elementary school in Dayton was named Charity Adams Earley Girls Academy. In 1979, Earley was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame. The US Army Fort Lee was later renamed to Fort Gregg-Adams in 2023 in both her and Lieutenant General Arthur J. Gregg’s honor.
Charity Adams Earley first joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942. After she completed basic training, Earley became the first American Black woman to be commissioned by the WAAC. She later joined an officer training program with the military. Earley was later put in charge of a small group of Black women soldiers. She trained them in a diverse range of skills, surpassing normal standards. Earley later attained the rank of Major.
In 1944, Earley went to England, where she led the first and sole company of Black women WACs on an overseas mission. She performed her duties efficiently and successfully, leading to her appointment as commander of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, operating in England and France. Earley faced racism in various forms during her service. However, she powered through and looked past it even encouraging her battalion to befriend White soldiers.
After the war, Earley returned to the United States and completed her education. She earned a master’s degree in psychology in 1946. She later left the military and moved to the education sector. Earley held administrative positions at universities like Miller Academy of Fine Arts and Georgia State College. Earley also took up community service, volunteering or coordinating with organizations like American Red Cross and YWCA.
She married Stanley A. Earley, Jr., with whom she had two children.
