Charlotte Ann Crooks

MARIETTA, GA - Charlotte Ann Crooks, 86, went to heaven, 01/02/2026.

Charlotte was born on 12/19/1939 in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. She graduated from Soddy-Daisy High School where she met her husband of 54 years, Oakey Joe Crooks. Joe and Charlotte were married on December 22, 1956, and moved to Venice Beach, California after Joe graduated from college and was offered a job there. Their first daughter, Debbie, was born in California, but they were homesick for the family they left behind in Tennessee. They were both overjoyed when Joe received a job offer from Lockheed in Georgia, that allowed them to move back to the South near the family they both loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oakey Joe Crooks; mother, Francis Davis Lewis; father, Howard Lewis; son, Oakey Joe Crooks, Jr.; sisters, Delores Shelton and Brenda Greeson and grandchildren, Kelly Michelle Crowder Davis and James Richard Crowder.

She is survived by her children, Deborah (Debbie) Carol Kennedy and husband, Don; Yvonne (Vonnie) Crooks Barber and husband, James. She is also survived by two daughters through bonds of love, not blood and it was her wish that those relationships be acknowledged in her obituary. Merissa Donnelly (Tom) offered her the gift of her time and affection, and Charlotte grew to love her like a daughter in her later years. Merissa's gentle and sweet presence helped to fill the hole left by the family members who had been lost throughout the years. Dakota Landers (Vince Coleman) cared for Charlotte during her final years and she and her daughter, Aaliyah Coleman, brought laughter and joy into her home. They became an integral part of the family and the love and support they offered unconditionally to Charlotte was returned. She is also survived by her sister Angela Cornelius, brother Gary Lewis and wife, Sharon, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charlotte was treasured by her late husband, who admired her beauty and intelligence and appreciated her devotion to him and their children. She maintained an organized and loving household, rising early to prepare homemade buttermilk biscuits, packing lunches, and serving a hot dinner each evening. She was loved, treasured, and admired for her resilience, strength, and optimism and fierce loyalty to her loved ones. She faced terrible challenges in her final years with grace and dignity. Her children are grateful for the Christian values she and her late husband instilled in them. She made sure her children felt her pride and belief in them and love and support. She was full of fun and laughter. Her favorite color was "BRIGHT". She had an extraordinarily close and loving bond with her siblings and enjoyed spending time with them. She was gracious and generous, opened her home and supported loved ones in any way she could.

Charlotte enjoyed knitting, cooking for loved ones, and delighted in spending time with family and friends. She loved music and enjoyed singing in the church choir for many years. She had a personal karaoke machine and used it to practice and sing her favorite traditional church hymns. She loved Christmas and enjoyed all the festive decorations and lights. She cherished the tradition of "Black Friday" Christmas decorating with her daughters to kick off the season each year.

Charlotte loved children, and motherhood was one of her greatest joys. She supported their school and extracurricular activities, sewed costumes and uniforms, taught them crafts, worked with them on sewing projects, and provided transportation for lessons, clubs, sports, hobbies and church activities.

She treasured and valued deep friendships throughout her life and cherished the love and support so many generously gave her, especially in her final years. She loved spending time with her friends.

Charlotte was a devout Christian and a charter member of LaBelle Heights Baptist Church. She later attended Macland Baptist Church with her husband until his death in 2010, after which she joined Milford Baptist Church, where she attended until her death. Although she loved her Macland Baptist Church family, she felt the empty pew next to her too deeply after the loss of her beloved husband. She joined Milford Baptist where she had friends in the Golden Tones Choral Group who she had sung with for many years at nursing and assisted living homes.

Charlotte was generous with her time, talents, and money. She volunteered as a poll supervisor and in many church roles, including Sunday school, nursery, and hosting bridal and baby showers, in addition to singing in the church choir. She made and gifted blankets, embroidered baby bibs, knitted scarves, and often made generous anonymous donations. She formed deep friendships and will be missed by all who knew her. The fur blankets she made and sold for extra Christmas money were often gifted to brides or young mothers and are still prized to this day by many who were lucky enough to receive one. She also embroidered and taught her daughter to embroider baby bibs to be used as gifts for the young mothers at their church. The embroidery skills may not have survived in her daughter, but the example she provided, which demonstrated generosity and kindness, was the most important and impactful lesson and will endure through all who she influenced.

Charlotte was a very caring and loving person, generous, joyful, and strong. She treasured her family and friends. She loved children and they loved her. She was a beloved wife and Mother, and had an extraordinarily close and loving bond with her siblings. She loved the Lord and her Church family.

She spent her final moments in the home where she cared for and raised her family, napping in her recliner, and gazing at the Christmas tree in the front window. She went to sleep enjoying the final moments of the holiday season and woke up in heaven.