Charlotte Paxton Tyson

Charlotte was born on March 15, 1930, in Clifton Forge, Virginia, to the late Joseph William Massie Paxton and Clarice Merle Westerman Paxton. She is survived by her sons, Claude B. Tyson, III (Laurie), Joseph Blair Tyson (Mary), her daughter, Charlotte Kimerly Nena Tyson, and three granddaughters, Eva, Grace and Claire Tyson, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Claude B. Tyson, Jr. (“C.B.”), her son, Kip Fredrick Tyson, two sisters, Ruth Paxton Green and Maybelle Paxton Payne, and two brothers, Joseph William Massie Paxton, Jr. and Fredrick Blain Paxton.

Charlotte attended college at Radford University in Virginia, where she took pre-med courses, was involved in the Baptist Student Union, and sung in a trio at various school events. She also worked as a lifeguard during her summer breaks. She then moved to Durham, NC and completed a year of training to become a Medical Technologist at Watts Hospital. There, she met her future husband, C.B., and they were married in 1952. She worked in several hospitals and clinics over the years, while focusing on raising their children.

C.B.’s career moved the family from Durham, NC to New York State, Michigan, and then back to NC, where they settled in Cary in 1969. After retiring in the late 1970s, they spent two years traveling the country in an RV and selling artwork for local artists. Charlotte then became involved in several community activities, including volunteering as a docent for the Museum of Natural History and participating in the local Hallmark Ornament Club. She was an avid reader throughout her life. She enjoyed collecting and displaying pictures, thimbles, and figurines. She was very creative, and her hobbies included painting, sewing, needlework, knitting and scrapbooking. She was also known for her beautiful, hand-made greeting cards. Several of her hand-stitched pieces were awarded ribbons at the NC State Fair.

Charlotte had a deep faith. She and C.B. were involved in the First Baptist Church in downtown Cary for many years. They later joined Westwood Baptist Church, where they enjoyed many more years in a loving church family. Friends and family will remember Charlotte as a kind, loving, funny, and thoughtful person. Her children have so many fond memories of her making them feel special and loved. They remember all of the wonderful holidays, especially Christmases, birthdays and other special occasions, that she made so festive and meaningful.

She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on January 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., at the Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, located at 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. A private graveside service will be held on January 9, 2026 at the Roseboro Cemetery in Roseboro, NC.