Charlotte M. Thompson

Charlotte M. Thompson (nee: Allison), age 83, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 4, 2024. She was a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her unexpected passing has left everyone who loved her shocked and heartbroken.

Charlotte was born to Norvie and Rosettie Allison on Valentine’s Day in 1941. Little did she know that she would become everyone’s special Valentine and her birth on such a special day would become the foundation for a life full of love, generosity and selflessness. The third of seven children, she was born in Senath, Missouri and raised in St. Louis, where she attended elementary school and high school. She then pursued beautician school and thereafter enjoyed a long career as a hairdresser in downtown St. Louis. Family members remember Charlotte coming home from the salon and sharing many funny and interesting stories about her clients, some of them being local showgirls. She loved doing their hair and make-up for the stage. 

Charlotte moved east to the Washington, DC area, first to Maryland then eventually settling in Northern Virginia. There her career changed paths when she joined Allegheny Airlines for a position in airline ticket administration. She remained with Allegheny throughout its eventual transition to USAir. She then became a supervisor in the same administrative department until her retirement.

Her first marriage to Harold Dunnegan ended in divorce, and she was widowed with the passing of her second husband, Lloyd Foster. Charlotte found her lifelong partner with Lawrence “Larry” Thompson. They married on October 20, 1976 and were together for forty-eight years until his passing on July 24, 2022. 

Larry worked for Trans World Airlines (TWA) before it became American Airlines. He originally worked at Dulles Airport in Virginia and was eventually offered the opportunity to transfer to the Tampa, FL area. He and Charlotte made the move to New Port Richey, FL where Larry began work at Tampa International Airport. Having retired from USAir, Charlotte looked for something to do once she settled in New Port Richey. She pursued a position in the cashier’s office with Karl Flammer Ford. Flammer Ford became part of her local family and she remained there until just two months before her passing. She enjoyed keeping up with all the “guys” and learning about the newest cars on the lot, as well as working with all the “girls” in the office. In addition, for Charlotte a highlight of living in Florida was being able to see the Florida Manatees at peak season every year. 

Behind the scenes, however, there was so much more. Never one to be in the limelight or be fussed over, Charlotte was the one who looked out for everyone else. She kept a keen eye on what everyone around her was doing, especially her family. If she ever surmised “something was up” she made sure everyone and everything was ok. Many times over, she was generous beyond compare, whether it be financially, or with her time and energy. Charlotte always put everyone else before her. She never needed anything, wanted anything or asked for anything except for time with her family. 

Charlotte enjoyed attending the annual Allison Family Reunion for many years and traveled back to Senath often to visit. She also made several trips to the DC area to visit her children and grandchildren. In recent years, as her traveling became infrequent, she looked forward to her family coming to see her over spring breaks, summer and most especially Thanksgiving. She was happy to have family relocate to be closer to her in the last few years, making new memories and enjoying quality time together. 

Having worked for the airlines, Charlotte enjoyed the benefit of air travel. She traveled to many exciting cities throughout the world and all over the United States. She and Larry enjoyed road trips to Niagara Falls and she enjoyed cruising with her family. Cruise highlights include those to Hawaii and Alaska. In early 2023 Charlotte and her sister Amanda took a much dreamed about River Cruise and later that same year she made a second visit to Alaska, this time on the trip of a lifetime with all her children and grandchildren, along with Amanda. The week before her passing, she was making plans for a summer 2025 cruise with her family. 

Charlotte loved to browse the stores and shop. During all her travels, she was sure to buy something that would be a keepsake from every location, and at home, QVC packages were on a routine delivery schedule. She loved to shop for her grandchildren, often sending surprise packages or handing over a bag with a new outfit or something she would say was “just the cutest thing you ever saw!” As an avid reader, she was always on the lookout for a good book. If she ever had any downtime, she could be found with a cup of coffee enthralled in a new story.

She had a love of owls and quilting. Charlotte loved anything and everything that had to do with owls - from jewelry, plush, and knick-knacks to clothing, bags, books and so much more - she loved the allure of their beauty and variation of colors. At a very early age, her mother taught Charlotte and her siblings how to embroider and Charlotte eventually loved to quilt. Over the years she handmade more quilts that can be counted, each made with love and a unique intention, all of which are now special family heirlooms. 

Charlotte worshiped at First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey and was an active member of West Pasco County United Methodist Women. A member of the Dorcas Circle of the United Methodist Church, she enjoyed weekend retreats, monthly lunches, helping with holiday activities and parish charity work. She had many friends and acquaintances through the church, all who will greatly miss her.

In addition to her parents, Charlotte is predeceased by her husband, Larry; sisters Karleen Allison and Debbie Lanier and brother-in-law Rev. Wesley Payne. In addition, she is predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Wanda Tuhill. She will be forever cherished and missed by her children Karen Dunnegan, Harold Dunnegan (Rose), and Nina Thompson; grandchildren Sean Dunnegan (Shannon), Jordan and Erich Thompson, Corey, Branden, and Allison Dunnegan; great-grandchildren Thyana, Sheyla and Tyleah Dunnegan; siblings Oteen Payne, Amanda Gerdes (Marvin), Kenneth Allison (Linda), Dewayne Allison (Kathy) brother-in-law Mike Lanier and sister-in-law Sandy Cook (Ronnie); Larry’s Aunt Barbara Rhodes and her daughter Roxanne Rhodes Hoare; and several other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Charlotte loved everything about the fall season and the month of October with the cooler weather and changing leaves. As such, a memorial service will be held for her on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 on the beautiful mountain top of Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery in Luray, VA, where she will join Larry in eternal rest. She will be loved and missed forever.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in the eternal light and peace of Christ.