Charlece (Williams) Roberts Cothrum, age 99, was called home by Jesus on Sunday, January 7, 2024. She was a resident of Tamarack Assisted Living in Altus, Oklahoma. Charlece was birthed to Stella Cliffa (McCurdy) Williams and Allen Bert Williams on August 14, 1924, in Granite, Oklahoma, where she lived most of her wonderful years. She joined a brother, Leon, who was 10 years old at her birth. Her father, Bert, passed away when she was around 10, leaving Charlece and her mother together in the home as Leon had left to begin his own family. Later, Stella married Bill Ewalt, but by that time Charlece had met the love of her life, Henry Roberts, and they were married in March of 1941, beginning their own home and family. Charlece and Henry spent the first years of their married life in California, where Henry had siblings and found work. They returned to the Granite area around 1947 with three girls; Judy, Melba Ruth, and June. Grandma’s help was available and needed because within two years, a baby boy, Henry, joined the family, followed by another baby boy, David, five years later. Charlece and Henry made their life on a farm north of Granite in the Lake Creek community until his passing in 1966. Everyone in the family of seven worked hard. Charlece was a wonderful mother and homemaker, although when they moved to the farm there was no electricity or running water. It didn’t take long for the REA lines to be run to their country home. It was not an easy life for Charlece, having lived in town all her life, but she once said she loved Henry so much, she would have followed him to the end of the earth. Henry was always proud of his wife and children, and like Charlece, worked hard to provide for them.

As the children grew older, Charlece attended cosmetology school, joined a beauty shop in Granite, later owned her own, and eventually located her shop in an addition to her home. She worked in her shop until moving to Altus in 2003. She enjoyed the work, and her clientele loved her. If ladies needed help, she often would go pick them up or take them home. The wife of the preacher never had to pay. Charlece considered it a service to one serving God.

As a widow, Charlece married Levis Cothrum of Granite in 1967 and family life continued. They enjoyed family life together until his passing in 1986.

Charlece became a Christian at a young age and although it was a task getting to church with five children, six miles from home on country roads, they regularly attended Sunday morning and evening services. When the youngest of the five children made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, like all the other children had, she said her primary work as a mother was accomplished. During her life she was an active member in Lake Creek Baptist Church, Granite Baptist Church, and FBC Altus. She served in various roles, teaching a Sunday School Class for many years. As a resident in Tamarack, she and friend, Phyllis Parmer, began a Saturday morning Bible study which continues and has grown. When unable to attend church, she and Phyllis would live stream the services on Charlece’s computer. She was blessed with a wonderful and active mind. She lived her Christian faith in daily life and taught her children to do the same. Her favorite Bible scripture was 3 John v. 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Charlece’s life was Jesus and her family.

She loved learning and encouraged every one of her children to attend college, something she always desired to do. After her children were adults, she attended several college classes at WOSC in Altus, attaining almost enough hours for an associate degree. She had been the valedictorian of her senior class and never lost her joy of learning. She and one of her sisters-in-law, Maxine, made a trip to the Holy Lands and it became a beloved life memory.

Charlece was cherished and loved by her five children, seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. She had many special friendships throughout her life. Charlece was preceded in death by daughter, Judy Druba (1981); her mother, Stella McCurdy Williams Ewalt (1997); sons-in-law, Chuck Kazmer and Donnie Knight; and grandson, John Knight. She leaves sons, David Roberts and wife, Sherri and Henry Roberts and wife, Linda; daughters, Melruth Cowley and husband, Jack and June Knight. Grandchildren are Donna Guthrie and husband, Steve; Chuck Kazmer and wife, Margaret; Grant Roberts; Jeff Roberts and wife, Erin; Lyndsay Roper and husband, Derek; Lynn Chen and husband, David. Great Grandchildren are Payton Guthrie and wife, Megan; Connor Guthrie and wife, Mackenzie; Robert Knight; Patrick, Nicholas, and Lauren Kazmer; Graham, Charlie Jane, and Layla Roberts; Olivia and Torrey Roper; Carolyn Grace and Elizabeth Rose Chen. Great-great Grandchildren are Adler, Sutton, and Blakely Guthrie; Henry David; and Georgia Guthrie; step-sister, Ruby Neighbors of Granite; three nephews, Roger Williams and wife, Ella; John Roy Williams; and Bruce Williams and wife, Nyla; many other relatives and friends.

The family is deeply grateful for the care Charlece received by the caregivers of Tamarack Assisted Living, Jackson County Memorial Hospital and JCMH Home Health and Hospice.

Those desiring to do so are invited to make memorial contributions to FBC Altus Prayer Ministry, 300 N. Main Street, Altus, Oklahoma 73521, in which Charlece was a longtime participant and faithful member. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.