Funeral service for Charlotte Giddens Horton Etress of Sylacauga will be Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2PM at Curtis and Son North Chapel with the Rev. Mac McCaleb officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-2 at the funeral home.
She passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Charlotte Giddens Horton Etress was born in the thriving metropolis of Kahatchee, Alabama on October 6, 1935. She was the second of five children born to Richard Kent and Julia Frances Giddens, their only daughter.
While growing up on ‘the Loop,’ Charlotte spent her days with her cousins and friends. She learned many skills from her mother that would serve her well later in life. One such skill was the talent for baking cakes and pies, which were always appreciated at gatherings. Whenever she asked, “what can I bring?” the answer was always to bring a dessert.
Charlotte had several occupations throughout her working life. Her final job was the Court Clerk at the city of Childersburg. In this capacity, she worked with other members of law enforcement to ensure the justice system functioned smoothly. While fulfilling her duties as the clerk, Charlotte was never shy to share the love of Jesus with those whom she came into contact.
The two passions she always shared were her faith in Jesus and her family. Every day was started with a daily Bible devotion, and Sunday mornings meant church service, whether together with other members at Marble City Baptist or, later in her life, watching services on television.
Charlotte was loved by her family, and she in turn loved her children, their spouses and her grandchildren immensely. Her greatest pride was bragging on what her five grandchildren were doing, each having found success in their own way. She loved her family unconditionally and without reservation.
The love she demonstrated for her family and those in the community will be missed by all.
“. . . to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Charlotte was preceded in death by her husbands, James Ellis Horton Sr and Milton Lee Etress, parents, Richard Kent Giddens and Julia Frances Giddens, brothers, Harold Giddens, Richard Giddens Jr., David Giddens and Glen Giddens.
She is survived by her daughter: Jamie Horton Mauldin (Ron), son: James Ellis Horton Jr. (Kristi), grandchildren: Jacob Mauldin, Julie Mauldin, Caleb Horton (Lauren), Corey Beth Horton, Emily Salgado
and numerous nieces and nephews.
