Mrs. Charlesetta Thompson

Charlesetta Yvonne Lyles was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on December 19, 1940 to Theola Moore Yancey and Finis Julius Lyles. Later, Charlesetta was nurtured and educated in Monroe, Louisiana. Charlesetta accepted Christ at an early age. She arrived in Milwaukee in 1959 and established her membership with St. Mark AME Church where she faithfully served, using her talents which included serving on many Ad Hoc committees. Charlesetta graduated from Carroll High School in Monroe, Louisiana. Desiring to further her education, Charlesetta received an Associate's Degree in Arts & Human Services from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Her thirst for knowledge and self- expression was not yet quenched so she pursued a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Community Education and a Master's Degree in Administrative Leadership, both from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. January 28, 1967, Charlesetta Yvonne Lyles and Wilbert James Thompson united in holy matrimony in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where they shared their lives together until his passing. The couple had no children, but Charlesetta was a mother to many in the community. During Charlesetta's life, she held many positions. She was employed by Boston Store in the linen and china departments. Charlesetta's passion for counseling, training and tutoring, enabled her to work at the YWCA, AODA, Girl Scouts of America and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Her artistic, independent and entrepreneurial spirit were the thrust behind "TEAnific Gifts", a gift basket business which was founded, owned and operated by Charlesetta. Knowing no idle time, Charlesetta gave of herself as a caregiver to family and friends, going above and beyond the call of duty. Charlesetta was a board member of Harambee Ombudsman and the Black Holocaust Museum, she also served on the Milwaukee Foundation's Neighborhood and Family Initiative. Her love for God and His magnificent creations, along with her passion for others, is-evident in Charlesetta's legacy of poems. As a poet, she embraced the art community and participated in workshops, poetry readings and supported other writers and artists in any way she could. . In her leisure time, Charlesetta enjoyed reading, writing, music (especially jazz), collecting antiques, ocializing, going to resale shops, mentoring and teaching poetry. She even found the time to author a book of poetry entitled "Thoughts, Feelings and Dreams"; Following a period of illne s, Charlesetta departed this life on Monday, February 16, 2015. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Francis Elizabeth Ewing Lyles; maternal grandfather, Charlie Louis Moore; father, Finis Julius Lyles; mother, Theola Lyles-Yancey; sister, Cassandra; aunt, Erseline Lyles Chandler; and her husband, Wilbert James Thompson. Charlesetta's memories will be cherished by a host of loving family members' of the Lyles and Thompson clans along with friends; special acknowledgement to "son", Simon Warren; god-daughter, Candice Braxton; the entire Braxton family, her inner- circle of t friends and the Milwaukee Arts Community.

Mrs. Charlesetta Thompson

December 19, 1940 - February 16, 2015