Charlotte L. Karnes

Charlotte Lynn Karnes was born on March 9, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island. She grew up as the beloved daughter of Max and Bernice and the cherished sister of Barry. Her childhood was filled with joy, highlighted by so many special days at Narragansett Pier, where time with family created the foundation for many of her fondest memories.

Charlotte pursued her passion for teaching, earning her bachelor's degree at Rhode Island College. During her studies, she met Seymour Karnes, the love of her life. Their story truly began just days after her graduation, when Seymour, then stationed in Texas, flew to Rhode Island to celebrate their love with a beautiful wedding on June 15, 1957. Shortly after, Seymour whisked Charlotte away to Texas to start their life together.

After living in Texas, Charlotte and Seymour moved to Mississippi, where they welcomed their first child, Jeffrey, into the world. Not long after, Seymour opted to leave the service, and the family returned to Rhode Island. It was there that Charlotte gave birth to her two daughters, Elizabeth and Maxine, completing their family.

Charlotte and Seymour settled in Warwick, Rhode Island, where they built a life filled with joy. During those years, Charlotte threw herself wholeheartedly into raising her children. From cheering them on to serving multiple terms as PTA president, she was known for her spirited enthusiasm—particularly her love of the microphone during meetings! And, always, there were friends. Charlotte nurtured beautiful lifelong friendships with so many special people.

Once Maxine began kindergarten, Charlotte decided it was time to put her teaching degree to use. She and Seymour had their only heated disagreement over her returning to work, but Charlotte prevailed, and she began a long and fulfilling teaching career. Remarkably, she never let her career slow her involvement in her children’s lives or her pursuit of new adventures. She earned her master’s degree while balancing her many responsibilities and even started a small business called Bloomin' Buds with her dear friend Janet. Hosting home plant parties, the two had endless fun, involving their families as makeshift schleppers. After a few years, when the original investment had been earned back, they celebrated by taking their husbands out for dinner and ceremoniously “burning their books” to close the business.

Once all three children were in college, Charlotte and Seymour relocated to Rock Hill, South Carolina, for Seymour's job. Ever resilient, Charlotte quickly found another teaching position and poured her heart into her new role. She adored her fellow teachers and cherished her students, finding immense joy in the classroom. Her warmth and passion for education left a lasting impact on the children she taught and the community she served.

While living in Rock Hill, Charlotte's family grew. Her daughter, Elizabeth, married Chris who truly became a son to her. Her daughter Maxine gave her Becca, the first grandchild and the beginnings of a whole new avenue for love. Then, the family grew even more when Elizabeth and Chris had Zachary and Nicole.

During their years in South Carolina, Seymour’s existing heart condition took a critical turn. Through determination and grace, he received a new heart in 1995—a gift of life that Charlotte unwaveringly supported him through. A few years later, both Charlotte and a now healthy Seymour decided to retire and embrace a new chapter together, moving to Palm Coast, Florida.

In Palm Coast, Charlotte and Seymour began a vibrant and fulfilling second chapter. They cultivated wonderful friendships, organized community events, volunteered for various organizations, and shared endless fun on cruises and playing games together. Adding even greater joy to their lives, they actively participated in the lives of their three beloved grandchildren—Becca, Zachary, and Nicole.

In 2018, Charlotte faced the profound loss of Seymour, her beloved partner of 60 years. Though it was a deeply sad time, Charlotte’s indomitable spirit shone through. She embraced independent living realizing that she was so much stronger than she thought. Her day-to-day life was so full - playing cards and Mah Jongg, lunch dates, celebrating holidays and life events with Palm Coast friends, and keeping in close touch with friends from all decades of her life. Her life was even further enriched with family celebrations, including the joyful marriage of her son Jeffrey to Martha, the career achievements of her grandchildren, the marriage of her granddaughter Nicole to Chris, and the arrival of her great-granddaughter Sloan, who brought a new light into Charlotte’s life. Her happiest times were when the whole family was together at Thanksgiving in North Carolina.

Charlotte continued to live her life fully and passionately until her very last days. She spent her time surrounded by those she loved, sharing laughter, playing her favorite games, hosting cherished gatherings, and wholeheartedly loving her family. She was well-loved by so many and will be missed by all who knew her.

May her memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlotte's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.