Charlotte White was born February 6th, 1950, to the late Thelma & Frank White Sr. in New York. She was the middle child of her siblings Francine (Sydnor) Benson and Frank White Jr. In her teenage years she moved to Mansfield, MA where she lived with her Aunt Bea and Uncle George Griffin. She attended Mansfield High School.
In September 1968, Charlotte was blessed with her daughter Charleen. She was a proud and protective mother with support of her God sister Geneva James (sissy). The responsibilities of being a mother gave her joy. They both worked together to instill strong work ethics, life qualities, morals with respect, values, charity and a joy for cooking.
Charlotte was reunited with older sister Felice (Pete) White of California. They both would spend quality time traveling or long phone conversations.
Charlotte started working as a nurse’s assistant. She then shifted her career and became a secretary for Freedom House. In addition, she decided to complete her education and get her GED. Charlotte then changed her career path again after she completed a property management program. She then became a property manager in Brighton, MA. Charlotte transferred her skills once again to Tufts University as an administrator assistant until her retirement in 2016.
In 1993, Charlotte and her long-term mate and partner Eli took a gamble and got married in Vegas. It was the best bet that they both made. They continued to bet against the odds and lived a great loving life together. Eli treated Charlotte like a queen until he left her side in 2007.
Charlotte was deeply and affectionately known as Ma! She was a mother to everyone. She had some advice, a warm meal, a listening ear or just a place to escape. Charlotte knew how to love each of her additional children individually. She knew everyone’s likes, dislikes and/or favorites. She would make sure their thing was at the house whenever you came by “just in case”. Charlotte took pride in making her house home and wanted everyone to know that they were welcomed.
Charlotte was a caregiver. She nurtured and assisted some family members as they had some of their own medical challenges. She would make sure that they were always tended to and comfortable.
Charlotte always enjoyed a great adventure or new experience. She was an avid reader. She would read books within a day. Charlotte did not want to be taken by surprise and wanted to ensure the author was leading the story correctly; she would skim the end of the book in advance. Charlotte broadened her adventures and experiences within music, theater, travel, food or cocktails. Her motto “this looks interesting”. She was always willing to try a new restaurant or visit a new country.
Charlotte was quick-witted! She was a word smith and she kept you thinking. Her thoughts and maneuvering skills were as a chess player. Charlotte was a straight shooter. She didn’t always try to find the words to finesse her current thoughts. She was straightforward with no chaser and didn’t have time for all the warm and fuzzies.
On Saturday, January 7th, 2023, Charlotte accepted that her work was complete and transitioned. She was preceded by her parents, sister Francine, husband Eli, God sister Geneva, adopted daughters Shelia and Dianne.
She leaves the following to cherish and honor her memory: Loving daughter Charleen, sister Felice (Pete) White, cousin Wanda Gilmore, brother friend Richard Lipscombe, Co-Parent (Father) Al Smith, additional children Tracy (David) Anderson (Susan & Jacqueline), Moirae Twitty, William Strother (Kimberley), Lyncoln Osborne, Troy Smith, Rosa Evora, dear friend Arlene Roberston. Adopted children Juan Figueroa, and Sonya Burke. Grandchildren: Allan Jeffers, Samantha Wigon, Rachel Wigon, Alliyah Smith, Alexis Smith. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.