Charisse Draa Fruchter

Charisse was born on November 12, 1958 in Jacksonville, Florida to her parents Joyce and H.V. Draa. Her father’s service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took Charisse and her family to many locations around the U.S. and the world, including Florida, Mississippi, North Dakota, Germany, Alabama and Saudi Arabia. Charisse graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama in 1976. She moved to Houston, Texas in 1982 and the Atlanta area in 2001. Charisse married her devoted husband Barry Fruchter in 2008. She has lived happily with Barry in Sandy Springs since 2012.

A person of faith, Charisse was an active member of First Baptist Church Sandy Springs where she served on the leadership team. She was an enthusiastic leader of the Church’s Vacation Bible School, where she worked along side with her mother and father. Charisse had a vivacious sense of humor and was an accomplished cook, seamstress, crocheter. Her home is a testament to her skill and passion as a decorator.

Loved by all, cherished by many, Charisse will be dearly missed. She filled the life of everyone she met with joy and positivity.

Charisse was predeceased by her father, H.V. She is survived by her husband of 14 years, Barry; mother, Joyce; brother and sister-in-law, Vince and Ana Draa; nephews, Rankin and John Draa; brother-in-law, Michael Fruchter; sister-in-law, Arlene Fruchter; nephew, Austin Fruchter; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends Sunday, October 30, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. with a funeral service at 9:30 a.m. at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd, NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

Barry and family request that you do not send flowers, but rather honor Charisse’s life of service to the community and passion for helping children by making a donation in her memory to one of the programs at the organizations listed below.

Backpack Buddies Program: Temple Emanu-El - Barry has volunteered locally with career days in Sandy Springs, sharing his passion for accounting with elementary & middle school children. templeemanuelatlanta.org/support/donate/

Vacation Bible School: First Baptist Church Sandy Springs - Charisse often volunteered in this program, including being the previous program chair. www.fbcsandysprings.org/signin

Weinstein Hospice: Jewish HomeLife - This wonderful organization provided loving hospice care that was of great comfort to Charisse and the family. https://secure3.convio.net/wbjh/site/Donation2?1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400