Charlotte Ann Wafford

Charlotte Ann Berry Wafford, 81, of Pine Bluff, passed away peacefully at home while holding her only daughter's hand on Monday, July 1, 2024. She bravely fought metastatic breast cancer for the last 40 months, after an original diagnosis in 2010. She exemplified dignity and grace, never complaining of her illness, only praising God for His divine blessings of comfort and extended time with her loved ones. She continually thanked Dr. Lawrence Mendelsohn and his wonderful nurse Joanna Keller for their contribution to her quality of life and longevity.
Charlotte was born on December 4, 1942 to parents Ethel Bryant Berry and Benjamin Franklin "Frank" Berry. She was reared mainly in Pine Bluff and Altheimer, with a very short time in California during her early years.
She graduated from Altheimer High School in 1960 and regarded her classmates as very dear to her heart.
On September 10, 1965 Charlotte married the love of her life and her constant caregiver, Donnie Miles Wafford. She said they got married during the floods of Hurricane Betsy but had 58.75 years of smooth sailing with only a bump or two. During those years they were blessed with their only daughter, Kimberly Ann, and their little family was complete.
She was later blessed with her favorite son-in-law, Jeffrey Garland in 1990 and two wonderful grandchildren, Reagan Mallory in 1998 and Miles McArthur in 2005. She said they were her pride and joy and that these additions completed her circle in the most perfect way.
Charlotte loved to travel. Attending any activities and events of her grandchildren were at the top of the list. She liked to go to Branson, MO frequently. She had a special group of friends who took many vacations together and some of her most memorable were cruises to the Panama Canal, Hawaii and Alaska. She was able to go to Alaska one more time with her family last summer and it made her very happy.
On any given day you could find Charlotte enjoying her home and backyard. She loved to care for her flowers and watch her birds and any other animals that were around the yard. She spent many hours reading and studying her bible, reading hundreds of books, researching family history or playing games on her iPad, knitting, doing all types of handwork, working jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, or spending time with her special cousins.
Charlotte was a member of Olive (Street) Branch Missionary Baptist Church and was secretary of her Sunday school class, a member of Ladies Ministry, and the counting office. She had many special friends there and a great support system of fellow Christians. She also worked for Simmons National Bank in Bank Card Customer Service for 23 years, retiring in 2004.
Survivors include her loving husband, Donnie Miles Wafford, of Pine Bluff, AR, her only daughter, Kimberly Ann Wafford Garland, son-in-law Jeffrey Garland, granddaughter Reagan Mallory Garland, and grandson Miles McArthur Garland, all of Collierville, TN, aunt, Mary Katherine Stephens, of Dover, PA, brothers Benny Berry (Melody) of Pine Bluff, AR, Lewis Dee Mullikin (Lucy) of Hot Springs, AR, several nieces and nephews, and many special cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Bryant Berry Mullikin, fathers Benjamin Franklin "Frank" Berry and Carrel Dee Mullikin, and her brother, Carrel Edward "Dave" Mullikin.
Charlotte's celebration of life/funeral service will be in Pine Bluff, AR at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Mike Powell officiating, Visitation immediately follows the service. Burial will be private for immediate family only. Services are by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors.
Pallbearers will be Maxie Bagwell, Claud Bost, Jr., Michael Fuqua, Kevin Moore, Howard Owen, Richard Petty, Chad Render, and JC Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church 5130 Bobo Rd, Pine Bluff, AR 71603; Ramick Cemetery, 312 Regal Oaks Circle, White Hall, AR, 71602; or CARTI Foundation PO Box 55011, Little Rock, AR 72215 or 501-603-8813 over the phone.
The family would like to thank the wonderful loving staff of Hospice Homecare for making our last week together so easy and special.
For online condolences, please visit RobinsonFuller.com