Tami Sue Charlton-Cook, 58, of Kelso, Washington, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday Feb. 20, 2017.
She was born Nov. 6, 1958, to Helen A. Johnson (Dejay) and Jack L. Charlton in Seattle, Washington.
Tami’s greatest accomplishments and points of pride were her 10 children and all of her precious grandchildren. In addition, there were countless children she loved as her own, including nieces, nephews, neighbors, childhood friends and those she babysat.
Tami was known for her open arms to anyone less fortunate, many sayings and songs that always “stuck” with her loved ones, kindness, compassion, strong motherly intuition and even her stubbornness and playful spirit.
As Mom, Nana and Aunt, Tami is remembered for her Ice Cream song, and many other endearing songs that will continue to be sung for generations to come. We will always remember not to “dilly dally,” that “two wrongs don’t make a right,” “tomorrow’s another day,” “natural consequences,” “love one another” and “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Tami considered her “home” church to be CrossPointe Community Church in Covington, Wash., within the ministry of Isaiah and Leta Johnson. Her faith in God was evident in her grace through many trials. She was not shy to proclaim His mercy to her, and her hope in Jesus. Her love and devotion to others, be it offering a meal, advice, words of encouragement or a great hug, were also a reflection of God’s love through her.
Tami was preceded in death by her father Jack L. Charlton and son-in-law Zachary A. Shipman.
Tami is survived and remembered by her mother Helen (Dejay)Johnson, stepmother Linda Charlton and siblings Jack D. Charlton, Jared Charlton, Ilexis Anderson (Brandon), Joie Boydston (Joe) and Annette Rivera-Valenzuela (Ricardo). She is also survived and remembered by her children Daniel, David, Travis, Annette (Nicholas), Janelle (Nathan), Kimberly (Jacob), Valerie(Donny), Laura (Ricky), Landon (Sam) and Lacee, Ashley (Zach) as well as her grandchildren. Austin, Lexi, Sophia, Braeden, Savannah, Noah, Addie, Dustin, Bradley, Gunner, Kinsley and , including two grandchildren on the way. She will also be remembered fondly by nieces and nephews, lifelong friend Debbie Heir and her loving companion Victor Toache.
A celebration to honor her life will be held at Auburn Celebration Church Saturday Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. (1039 22nd St. NE Auburn, Wash.)
In lieu of flowers, Tami’s prayer was for us to give more to the homeless. Please make any remembrances to the Union Gospel Mission or the Bread Of Life Mission in Seattle.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Love never fails.
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