Charlotte Williams Denny's Obituary
Big Rapids - Charlotte Williams Denny, 91, of Big Rapids, passed away after a lengthy illness on Monday, October 31, 2011, at Royal View Retirement Community in Canadian Lakes. She was born November 19, 1919, in Highland Park, Michigan, the daughter of Harold and Charlotte (Bell) Williams, and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1937. Charlotte earned three post-secondary degrees; an associates degree from Highland Park Junior College and her bachelors and masters from Wayne State University. On May 23, 1942, she married M. Edward Denny of Detroit, Michigan. Charlotte taught kindergarten and then managed a day care center in Detroit for a number of years. She was an active parishioner at Greenfield Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and served on a variety of committees. Charlotte and her husband Ed retired to Big Rapids in 1985, where they resided on Burgess (Pickerel) Lake, and became active parishioners in the First United Methodist Church. Charlotte served on numerous committees and taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School. Ed preceded her in death on Nov. 23, 2006. Charlotte is survived by two daughters, Barbara (David) Thiel of Davison, and Patricia (Charles) Lemson of Big Rapids; two sons, Greg (Terry) of Big Rapids, and Jeffrey (Vickie) of Clarkston; ten grandchildren, Kris (Laurie) and Erich (Juliette) Thiel, Dan and George Lemson, John Paul Denny (Angela Reeder, fiancée), Matthew, Catherine, Adam, Robert, and Alexis Denny; four great-grandchildren, Katy, Peyton, and Olivia Thiel, and Zion Lemson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, two brothers and one nephew. Charlotte's family is grateful for the wonderful care she received from the staff of Royal View and Great Lakes Caring (Hospice). Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5, at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, with Reverend Becky Morrison officiating. Charlotte's family will greet friends at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Friday, November 4 from 6 - 8 p.m., and at the church after 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. A luncheon will follow the service in the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions in her name can be made to the Doran Foundation/Alzheimer's Fund at St. Mary's Hospital; 200 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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