Charlotte Louise Homeister

Charlotte Louise Homeister, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother - was peacefully welcomed home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at the marvelous age of 93.

Charlotte is survived by her precious children John Homeister (Deborah), Ruth Miele (Thomas), Elaine Homeister and Nancy Homeister. She was blessed to have six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her ‘Great’. She also leaves behind her dear older sister, Claire Tesolin, and many special nieces and nephews. Charlotte was predeceased by her husband John Homeister and her brother Edwin Burrows and other loved ones.

Charlotte, a life-long ‘Michigander’ was born in Detroit, MI on September 19th 1930 to Edwin and Prudence Burrows, growing up in the quaint city of Royal Oak, until moving to White Lake in her teen years. Charlotte graduated from Moody Bible Institute, where she further developed her love of the Word of God, before attending the University of Michigan, where she met her husband of 54 years.

A full-time homemaker and loving mother of four, Charlotte was an incredible woman in many ways. Known for her passion for following Jesus Christ, continuing to study the Bible up until her eyesight began to fail and she could no longer drive, her children recall often seeing her open Bible resting on the arm of the family sofa, throughout their childhood. In her senior years, she continued to assist in the nursery at church so young mothers could attend Bible studies or the Worship service, as well as becoming a Deaconess at Woodside Bible Church in White Lake. Many who knew her could tell you that she adopted Galatians 2:20 as the verse which best described her relationship to the God who sought, bought and Redeemed her, which states: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” And now, she is with Him forevermore.

As children, Charlotte and her three daughters each boarded their own horses at a stable in White Lake, where they enjoyed spending their Saturdays riding all day together. A skilled carpenter, Charlotte began her love of working with wood by helping her only son to build his own clubhouse in their backyard, making him the envy of all of his friends.

Her nurturing ways and deep appreciation for all of God’s creation met its most beautiful expression in the patient, tender care of His creatures, both domestic and wild. As everyone who loved Charlotte knows, she learned how to rescue everything from baby birds which she hand raised, to a sweet groundhog.

Later in life, Charlotte developed a hobby that soon became award winning: woodcarving. She became so accomplished in this craft, that she joined Metro Carvers Club of MI. Her truly stunning works of art were entered into carving competitions over the years, winning her many ribbons and a number of First Place awards. In addition, she also lovingly built from scratch, a ‘Bethlehem Stable’ complete with electric ‘candlelight’, for each of her children and grandchildren – now the spot where the birth of her Savior is retold each CHRISTmas. These, as well as Charlotte’s various carvings now have an even greater place of appreciation in the hearts of those who are blessed to have them in their own homes.

Still later in life, two of Charlotte’s loves were combined when her talent for woodworking led to her being commissioned by a very close friend and fellow artist -to carve Michigan’s wildlife into a solid mahogany door for the authentic log home they were building. Always the giver, this was the heart of Charlotte Homeister.

An adventurer at heart, she made up for lost time, again, later in life. Riding a camel in the outback of Australia, dogsledding in Alaska (at 80 yrs. of age!), visiting the many sites of London, England and the Badlands of South Dakota. For years, even into her 80’s, she took Kayaking trips and to top it off – went Ziplining on her 85th birthday! Still, one of her most favorite activities, were the daily two mile walks she took with her treasured sister, Claire, where they would talk of their shared love of family, past memories and the Word of GOD.

Love of God, wildlife and family have defined this tender, kind, gentle, passionate, beautiful - woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

These - are the blessings that Charlotte would want for each of you, beginning with giving you: Jesus.

A visitation for Charlotte will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Road in Highland. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM.

A memorial luncheon will be held at the funeral home immediately following the funeral service on Friday. Following the luncheon there will be a procession to White Lake Cemetery in White Lake, where Mrs. Homeister will be reunited with her beloved husband, John.

Memorial contributions suggested to Samaritan's Purse or Grace Centers of Hope.