- Date Of Birth: March 17, 1954
- Date Of Death: June 26, 2011
- State: Texas
CHARLOTTE CAMILLE CHRISTIAN The morning of June 26, 2011, marked the passing of a true country girl, Charlotte Camille Christian. Born March 17, 1954, Charlotte grew up among the fields and pastures of her family farm located in Lucas, Texas. In a country house surrounded by row crops, hayfields, cattle, and horses, her parents, Wallace and Gloria Christian, welcomed her into the quietude of their hard-working, church-going lives. With her first breath, Charlotte began a life-long appreciation of her deeply-rooted Collin County heritage, one founded on the impenetrable respect for God’s handiwork. Like all of Charlotte’s family, she developed an acutely thankful heart for the wide-open spaces, the animals that roamed it, the families that settled it, and the gifts it offered to those who labored throughout it. Charlotte’s love of the land kept her closely drawn to it. Her sole adult residence-comfortable, warm, and tastefully appointed with family heirlooms-was built on a section of the original Christian farmstead. As a young woman, she carried her daughter Melanie Camille to her house on Christian Lane-the road named for her ancestry. And in this same house that she meticulously maintained, surrounded by her husband, daughter, grandchildren, friends, relatives, and loving care-givers, she departed for her eternal rest as she rejoined family members and friends who preceded her on the blissful passage. Charlotte-a talented, stylish, plain-spoken, high-energy lady-definitely marched to a distinctive drumbeat. With a mind of her own and never at a loss for words, she always took the time to share stories and made time to listen to others. Known for an infectious laugh that had the power to elevate the spirits of all those within hearing range, she was celebrated for her culinary agility and her ability to replicate the Southern dishes once prepared by her mother, grandmothers, and aunts. Fried chicken, cornbread dressing, and meringue pies were just a few of the many specialties featured in her kitchen. In her professional life, she began her career in the hair-care industry, acquiring credentials as both a stylist and barber. After years of cutting, coloring, curling, and captivating many loyal clients and friends, she acquired a license in real estate, which cultivated her soul. Like her father, Charlotte developed a special knowledge about land as well as a unique understanding of the treasures it presented to those holding it. The slogan on her business card read, “You’ve got to know country to sell country.” Not only did she know it, she lived it. As the country girl from Lucas ascended to heaven, she was greeted by her father and mother as well as former spouse, Kenneth Dean. Leaving behind husband Calvin Stogsdill; daughter Melanie Camille Timms, son-in-law Royce Timms, granddaughter Madison Camille Valdez and grandson Christian Timms; sisters Suzanne Calton and husband David, and Dr. Sarah K. Barron and husband John; nieces Deidra Ammerman and husband Jeff; Lucy Barron and husband Larry Marcus and their children Calvin and Elliott; nephew Bryan Calton and wife Lorrie and their children Travis and Brea, and multiple other relatives. And in her family’s loving care, she leaves her three cherished Bassett-Hound children, Lily, Murphy, and Lucky. Years ago, Dottie West sang the following lyrics in her song “Country Girl,” yet these words can easily be used today to describe Charlotte: I was born a country girl; I will die a country girl My world is made of blue skies and sunshine Green fields and butterflies I’m so glad I’m a country girl. (Dottie West, 1968) As precious farmland and countryside are whittled away, it is apparent that country girls will be harder and harder to find. However, one blessing remains unmistakable: Many people were positively touched by Charlotte’s free spirit and appreciation for nature and things of beauty. The genuine attention she gave to those in her life will be missed. Her legacy-embedded in her rural beginning-states: Character is obvious in the way a person respects all things created while preserving all things acquired. We were blessed Charlotte was our Country Girl. Thinking of her, we are aware that the world is made up of blue skies, sunshine, green fields, butterflies, and inviting homes filled with family, friends, great food, and hearty laughter. Charlotte’s family wants to extend special thanks to Custom Care Hospice, Cornerstone Baptist Church, and all of our family and friends who provided food and offered words of encouragement.
