Charlotte Figgins

Charlotte Ann Figgins, affectionately known as “Mama” “Moody” “Granny” and “Figgi F Baby” aged 77, transcended from this life and laughed her last laugh on Saturday, June 1, 2024. She was born on May 6, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio to Cordell and Sayde Figgins. Charlotte was an only child, but grew up with her cousins Teddy, Debbie, Lisa and Kayla as siblings. Charlotte was raised in the “Fly Town” neighborhood with many friends and their families (Waters, Hairstons, Griffins, Moodys, Taylors, Hills, Townsends, Copelands, Morefield, Dillards) whom she loved. Charlotte was an early member of Brentnell Apostolic Church (The Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith) and soon found her voice there in the Junior and Senior Choirs. She had a talent for singing and cut a record with the Choir. Charlotte knew the importance of taking care of her family. She secured her first job with the Post Office at 18 years of age. She applied with DCSC (The Depot) while at the Post Office and got the job in 1965. These positions began her work history with the Federal Government. Charlotte also wanted to serve her country, so she joined the Military, the Army Reserves. She enjoyed her role with the Army and every summer she would love to go to the rifle range training in various states across the country.

A few years went by, and Charlotte would go on to finish her college career at The Ohio State University. Taking a heavy interest in the Black Studies Department, she joined them as a work-study student while attending college. She went on to meet a lifetime of friends (Ms. Loni, Ms. Grayland, Ms. Lois, Ms. Sybil, Ms. Winifred, Ms. Willie Mae, Mr. Ed, Mr. Bill, Ms. Gwen, Ms. Doris, Ms. Lorraine, Ms. Gaye, Mr. Terry, Ms. Cheryl & Mr. Don plus numerous professors and TA’s) whom she kept in touch with. By this time, Charlotte was a single Mom to daughter Jessica (Peaches), who went everywhere with her and the OSU Black Studies crew.

Charlotte worked throughout the years with the Federal Government at DCSC Warehouse, DCSC-DISCO and DFAS. Charlotte loved to laugh and crack a good joke often giving her co-workers loving nicknames. During this time, motherhood came to visit Charlotte again giving her another baby girl, Janelle (Pumpkin), and 8 short years later, welcomed her first grandchild, Mica whom she affectionately named “Dida Fry”. Charlotte and Dida Fry were closer than close and loved to laugh. Another 10 years passed, and Charlotte welcomed another granddaughter to the world, Jada affectionately known as “Jada Tada” who was her roommate. They loved to cook together and share recipes.

While Charlotte worked for the government, she didn’t rest on her laurels. She worked a part-time job for over 20 years with ASM, Kroger, BMG and lastly, Sam’s Club. She worked on numerous Women’s Shows featuring many products and samples. In all of these positions, she was known as the “Kroger Grandma” and “Taster/Sample Lady” to everyone. She never met a stranger and loved seeing folks every time she worked. She was also a vivacious reader often seen at the library checking out books. She occasionally worked the voter election polls and was most proud to work when President Barack Obama was elected.

Charlotte loved to travel, drive, and mostly shop. She had a love for music and loved to attend a good concert, play, paint & sip, museums and movies. Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye, Prince and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic were amongst her favorite artists that she enjoyed listening to often.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her Grandmother, Charlotte Dublin, Grandfather, George B. “Pops” Dublin, Parents Cordell and Sayde Figgins, Aunts Jessica Smith, Georgiana Roberts, Margaret Dublin, Rosia Wynn, Uncles George “Pee-Wee” Dublin, Josh Roberts, Sam Wynn, Cousins William “Billy” Dublin, George “Teddy” Dublin, Joyce Saulsberry and Luxora Lemon. Charlotte is survived by daughters Jessica Figgins (Kelvin), and Janelle (Michael) Harrison, Beloved grandchildren Mica Fryar, Jada Dozier, Micah Harrison, and Michael “Beanie” Harrison. Special Cousins Deborah Dublin, Lisa Doughty, Kayla Dublin, Michael “Mickey” Dickerson Sr., Jeannette Raiford, Annette Raiford as well as Tennessee, New Jersey, Florida families and numerous close friends.

Family and friends are invited to New Salem Baptist Church located at 2956 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224 on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Family will start receiving visitors at 10:30 a.m. with service starting at 11:30 p.m. to reminisce, laugh and celebrate the life of Charlotte Ann Figgins.