Charlotte Charity Wise

Charlotte Charity Wise was born on December 14, 1919 in Cranford, New Jersey daughter of the late James and Etta Saunders. After a brief illness, she quietly passed away on Sunday morning, September 15, 2013. She attended the Cranford Public Schools and graduated from Cranford High School in 1938. At an early age, Charlotte was baptized and joined the First Baptist Church of Cranford. Later she became a devoted member of St. John's Baptist Church where she kept up her membership to this day. She moved to Baltimore, Maryland where she wed Samuel Wise on August 16, 1942. Out of this union came two daughters, Charlotte Judy and Ruby Yvonne. Charlotte moved back to New Jersey in 1951 and worked for Veterans Cleaners for a few years and than worked for Towne Cleaners over 34 years where she retired. She was a hard worker and enjoyed her job in the shirt unit. Affectionately known as "Gram" she was loved by everyone whom she came to know for her laugh and outgoing spirit. If her favorite record "Movin On" by Jimmy McGriff was played there was no stopping her from getting up and she would out dance everyone on the dance floor even if she danced by herself. She was known for her words of wisdom and encouragement. Her favorite poem was "Don't Quit". She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Etta Saunders; her husband, Samuel Wise; sisters, Etta Shanks, Annabell Yanga, and Luellen Goodwin. She leaves to mourn, devoted daughters, Ruby Mathis (Thomas) of Roselle, NJ and Judy Fleming of Frisco, TX; 4 grandchildren, Kirk Charles (Rosalyn), Antoine Mathis (Sonia), Eric Mathis (Shahidah), Veronica Lewis (Chad); 5 great grandchildren; one niece, Luetta Boyd and a very devoted great niece, Valerie Gillison and Suzanne; great nephew, Martin Gillison; cousins, Ada Cole and George Quarles along with a host of relatives and friend. She also leaves to mourn, Ysia Ramos, a very close confidant and friend who went over and beyond her call of duty as a caregiver and treated Mrs. Wise as one of her own family members. We gratefully thank you Ysia and family for all you have done. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Charlotte Charity Wise. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences