Charlyn Forst Harless

Tootsie lived a life rooted in family, generosity, and hard work. She attended Girls Preparatory School and later continued her education at Emory University.

She began working alongside her father at Acme Tool Company, where she developed a lifelong love of books while sorting through an army surplus, decommissioned military library.

That passion led her to become the owner of The Book Company, which she lovingly operated until her retirement. Family often joked that the bookstore functioned more like a nonprofit because of Tootsie’s quiet generosity and her habit of giving books away to teachers, churches, and anyone who needed a helping hand.

Tootsie also devoted many years to her family’s business, Lake Winnepesaukah. She worked as a locker girl and gift shop manager, and she became especially known for her extraordinary gardening talents, planting hundreds of beautiful flowers throughout the park for visitors to enjoy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Butch Harless; daughter, Kelly Lytle; mother, Evelyn White; father, Charlie White; and niece, Talley Green.

She is survived by her children, Evelyn Harless (Jay Martin), Libby Haun, and Charlie Harless (Viki). She was lovingly known as “Mama Tootsie” to her grandchildren, Robby Armstrong, Patrick Armstrong (Katie), Emily Talley (Michael), Annie Haun (David Sterchi), Will Haun, Kristen Helms, and Charlie Harless. She was also a great grandparent to Kinsley Armstrong, Birdie Mae Talley, Bear Talley, Colton Rhinehart, and Parker Armstrong.

She is also survived by former daughter in law and devoted caretaker, Kelli Harless; sister, Adrienne Rhodes; and her treasured nephews, George, Mark, and Michael Miller, and Will Harless; as well as nieces, Tennyson Dickinson, Mary Cummins, and Laura Hamm.

The family extends deep gratitude to Sharon Scott, Amanda Neal, Thomasz Balazy, and all the caring staff at Regency House Assisted Living for the compassion and love shown to Tootsie in her final year.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Tuesday, June 9 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the narthex of First Centenary United Methodist Church. Private family services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pet Placement Center, 5975 Dayton Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37415, the Centenary program at First Centenary United Methodist Church, First-Centenary United Methodist Church, PO Box 208, Chattanooga, TN 37401, or a favorite charity.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin-Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414.

Please visit our website to share your favorite memories of Charlyn: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com