Charletta Connell

Charlletta was born 1938 in Kirksville, MO the eldest of 7 children to Charles and Odetta Porter. Her name was created by the combination of Charles and Odetta. "Charletta Lavay" was called Lavay throughout childhood and later on was known as "Charlie" to friends and family. She wore an infectious smile and had beautiful auburn hair. Everyone remembered her by her eyes that changed with the color she was wearing; her eyes were truly the windows to her soul. She was always quick witted and had a sly sense of humor and was also very feisty. Charletta was musically inclined and played several instruments well including her favorite the accordion. She loved to play all types of cards and board games giving her an opportunity to spend time with friends and family. She had very deep compassion for animals almost to a fault. In her words she found that she loved all people regardless of nationality, or religion.

Charletta retired and moved to Las Vegas and resided with her husband Carl Connell until his passing in 2009. She moved back to Illinois several years ago to be closer to family.

Charletta was a loving and supportive mother of 7 children: Michael, Cheryl, Darlene, Debbie, Robert, Tina and Tracy. She also deeply loved her 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who cherished her also. Charletta was a loving sister to Violet Louise, Vonda Christine, and her youngest sister Helena and is pre-deceased by her 3 brothers Leon, Sonny, and Leslie.

Because she has loved immensely and had been loved in return she will never be gone in our hearts. Her physical body may not remain, but she has touched each and every one of us at different moments in time.

She would want us to honor her by not grieving but sharing the love she showered each of us with.