On a Beautiful Sunday morning in an exclusive community of Palestine, Texas delivered by a midwife, the oldest child of Lonzo McGriff and Gertrude Berry came into this world, Charlsie Mae was born August 26, 1929. Charlsie completed her Pilgrim's Journey on November 21, 2018, at 7:30 a.m. in Stockton, California.

As a child, she was nurtured in a religious environment. She would always be found in church on Sundays sitting on the front pew with her siblings. She obeyed the gospel at the young age of 16 and continued to live her life as a Christian for 73 years. Charlsie loved to cook and clean. She would always do all the cooking at several churches, and Sunday meals after church service for many years. Her working career afforded her the privilege of being the head chef at the Holiday Inn Restaurant in Big Springs, Texas. Charlsie was known to have a big heart. Her doors were always opened to everyone. She not only raised her children, but she raised her grandchildren and showed them the love of God. Charlsie Mae was an active, independent individual, until her health began to deteriorate. In spite of her failing health, she continued to struggle in doing for herself and maintaining her independence.

Charlsie was preceded in death by her parents, Lonzo McGriff and Gertrude Berry; four brothers, Harvey, Lonzo, Leo, and Willie McGriff; two sisters, Pearl Price and Delores Berry; four sons, Lewis, Kenneth, Jerry, and Alfred Johnson; one granddaughter, Deshone Nicole Marshall; one great granddaughter, Kaelin Nicole Marshall; two great grandsons, Marcus Terrance Brooks and Mason Jerimiah Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memories, five daughters, Helen George of Stockton, California, Esther Kennedy of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Brenda Simien (Emerick) of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Liz Knott (Kaisha) of Bakersfield, California and Alea Rubin of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Two sons, Charles Johnson of Long Beach, California and Aric Rubin of Sacramento, California. One step-brother, Lonzo McGriff of California and brother-in-law, Cornelius Price of Brentwood, California. Twenty-eight grandchildren; forty-eight great grandchildren; twenty great, great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

A wake service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at King's Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be on Saturday, November 15, 2018, at 12:00 noon at Blake Street Church of Christ and visitation at 10:00 a.m., at the church.  Burial will follow in Perkins Cemetery under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com