Charlotte Cameron, age 83, passed away unexpectedly on February 17 after a short hospitalization following a stroke. Charlotte’s life began on March 31, 1941. She was born in Red Oak, Iowa to Melvin James and Elizabeth Marie (Cozad) Parker, the first of six children. Charlotte’s mother was a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, who returned to college to obtain her teaching certificate after her children were born. As the eldest, Charlotte was instrumental in caring for her younger siblings, allowing her mother to pursue higher education.
That love of learning was passed down and Charlotte was a great student, graduating Valedictorian of her high school class in Licking MO, 1959. She married Robert “Bob” Cameron on Halloween, October 31, 1959, a date that later both delighted and puzzled their four children. As their young married life began, Charlotte worked several office jobs including at a construction company, a church, the newspaper office, and at Texas County Memorial Hospital. She even recommended Bob for a position in the business office at the hospital, and thus, began their lifelong collaboration as partners and coworkers in the medical field. In 1965, after a brief year living in Ohio, Bob and Charlotte returned to the Ozarks to help get Kabul Nursing Home up and running. They both became licensed Administrators and were a dynamic team for many years. Charlotte was detailed-oriented and worked relentlessly behind the scenes to help build the care center into the senior complex it is today.
Charlotte was a piano player and enjoyed all kinds of music, but mostly gospel music. In the early 1970s, following a few lessons on the organ, she started as the organist for the First Baptist Church in Cabool. Charlotte served in this capacity for over 25 years. For many years, she also served as co-leader for the Sunday evening children’s program, teaching scripture memorization and conducting bible drills.
Charlotte was a quiet, unassuming individual who did not seek attention or praise. She had a beautiful, infectious smile that would light up her whole face and crinkle her nose. Her smile was magical, especially to babies. Every new child that joined our family was entranced by the glow of Grandma and they could not help but mirror back her laugh.
Following in her own mother’s footsteps, Charlotte also was a legendary booklover, passing on her love of reading to her children and grandchildren. She modeled for us how to read with curiosity, how to broaden our thinking, how to explore places we’d never visit, and in the process learn more about others and ourselves. Later in life, Charlotte discovered digital books and then digital games. Without doubt, our memories of her will include seeing her reclined in her lounge chair with her laptop…reading, conquering mind-bending puzzles and creating beautiful digital pictures. Charlotte had an inquisitive mind and was our repository of knowledge before there was Google. She was our first call when a loved one was sick because she was always spot-on in her medical advice.
During their twilight years, Charlotte was steadfast in her care, support, and advocacy of Bob and he, in turn, was completely devoted to her. Their partnership only strengthened, and their qualities were a compliment to the other. As much as we will miss her, there is no question that Bob will be delighted to be reunited with his bride.
Charlotte is survived by her children: daughter Sandra Cameron of Tyler, TX and son Matthew; daughter Jill and David Patterson of Scottsdale, AZ, and children Zach & Emma; daughter Pamela and Ed Liley of Goodman, MO and children Brittany, Andrew, Kaylee, Kelsey, and Piper; and son Robert “Michael” and Billie of Mountain Grove, and children Elizabeth, Meagan, & Abigail; and four great-grandchildren. Charlotte is also survived by her brother Richard Parker and wife Charlotte of Broken Arrow, OK; sisters Willa Jean Knott and Wanda Sue Sillyman, both of Springfield, MO; and many beloved nieces, nephews and in-laws. Charlotte is preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Linda Ramsey and brother Roger Parker.
