Charlotte Burns Thompson

Charlotte Burns Thompson, 83, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. 

Charlotte, affectionately known as “Mama C” to many, was born in Rome, Georgia on October 29, 1939 to Lila Harris Burns and John Gilbert Burns. As a young girl, she took piano and voice lessons. She attended Shorter College for two years and then graduated from Howard College, now named Samford University, in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. She was involved in the Phi Mu Sorority and voted “Miss Home Economics” her senior year in college. Her first job was teaching home economics in Griffin, Georgia. She met her husband, Milton, on a blind date that did not go very well at first. However, they reconnected shortly after and were married on September 29, 1962 in Rome, Georgia. Charlotte and Milton were an example of unconditional love and devotion to one another for 61 years of marriage. Charlotte worked as a social worker for several years before returning to her love of education by pursuing a Masters Degree in Education from Converse College. After she completed her degree, she worked as a preschool teacher in the four-year-old class at First Presbyterian Church Preschool. In retirement, Charlotte enjoyed buying and selling antiques with her husband. She especially loved collecting Delftware and making friendships along the way. At Fernwood Baptist Church, she was a proud member of both the Alma Hudson Sunday school class and the church choir. She was a dedicated volunteer in Fernwood’s children’s programs and a faithful visitor to those in the hospital, assisted living, and nursing facilities. Without a doubt, Charlotte’s proudest accomplishment was her role as Mom and “Mama C.” She was a devoted mother to her son, daughter and son in-law, and the very proud grandmother of her grandson and granddaughters. She supported them in countless ways, by attending their events, writing them encouraging notes, and passing along her love of reading and music. By her example, her family learned the true definition of a faithful Christian servant. 

Charlotte is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Stephen Milton Thompson; her daughter, Anne Thompson Ward; son in-law, Dr. Mark Edward Ward; and her cherished grandchildren, Layton Mark Ward, Madison Anne Ward, and Charlotte Neal Ward. She is predeceased by her son, Stephen Milton Thompson, II; brother, Dr. James Harris Burns and his wife, Joan Booker Burns. 

She adored her family, dear friends, brother and sister-in-law, nephew, nieces and their families. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 19th, 1:00pm at Fernwood Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spartanburg Regional Healthcare Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or Fernwood Baptist Church, 200 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307. 

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the compassionate staff at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home and Charlotte’s devoted caregiver Susan.