MaryFrances Charles Obituary
MaryFrances Charles (née Hopkins) passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024, in Tallahassee, Florida, at the age of 73. Born on May 1, 1951, in Auburn, New York, MaryFran grew up in a loving family and later moved to North Florida.
MaryFran graduated from Canastota Central High School, where she participated in the chorus, 4-H Club, Girls Jazz Ensemble and was a member of the National Honor Society. Her passion for community service was evident early on and continued throughout her life as she volunteered with various organizations dedicated to youth and making families stronger. She served as President of the local Capital City Optimist Club from 2018 to 2019 and went on to serve the North Florida District Optimist International as District Secretary/Treasurer from 2020 to 2021 and as Governor from 2023 to 2024, dedicating her time to enhancing the lives of others through her leadership and commitment to service.
In her professional life, MaryFran was highly regarded for her work in customer service. She brought warmth and efficiency to every interaction, earning the respect and affection of colleagues and clients alike. MaryFran retired from Flag Credit Union where she was a Loan Officer.
MaryFran had a rich personal life filled with hobbies that brought her joy and fulfillment. She was an avid needleworker and enjoyed traveling and reading extensively. These activities reflected her love for beauty and her constant quest for knowledge. MaryFran will be remembered for her wonderful Italian cooking, love of lighthouses and beaches, dedication to family and grandchildren and her incredible laugh.
She leaves behind her devoted and beloved husband, David Charles, a large loving family including her three children, Jason Caviola, Luke and his wife Evangeline Caviola, Julie and her husband David Jeter, three stepchildren Jim and his wife Kelly Charles, Alixandra and her husband Brandon Gray, and Andrew and his wife Brandie Charles. Her grandchildren Gabriel, Zavier, Kyleigh, Journey, Tyler, Bailey, and Brianne will miss her nurturing presence. She is also survived by her brothers Clifford, Donald, Karl, and Lance Hopkins, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. MaryFran was preceded in death by her father, Byron Hopkins, and her mother, Gladys Cary.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 - Visitation 11:00 am - Service 11:30 am. Guerry Funeral Home, 2659 SW Main Street, Lake City, Florida 32025. Immediately following the service, a remembrance gathering will be held at Lifestyle Enrichment Center, 628 S.E. Allison Court, Lake City, Florida 32025. The family welcomes friends and loved ones to share your stories in remembrance of MaryFran's exceptional life.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached but never met. Help her kindness, loyalty, and compassion continue by making a donation to the Glioblastoma National Foundation (glioblastomafoundation.org) or Big Bend Hospice Foundation, Inc. (bigbendhospice.charityproud.org), in her name.
