Charlotte Marcum Staff, ‘Lottie,’ 81, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away peacefully on May 10th, 2024, surrounded by family. Born on December 24th, 1942, to Preston Wiley and Stella Barron Marcum of Troy, Alabama, Charlotte lived a vibrant life marked by diverse cultural experiences and deep familial bonds.
Charlotte’s educational journey was a testament to her resilience and global perspective. Due to her father’s career, her family frequently moved, leading her to begin her education in Panama and spend her high school years at Itazuke High in the Fukuoka prefecture of Japan. These diverse experiences shaped her and fostered a deep appreciation for different cultures, a perspective she carried throughout her life.
Charlotte studied foreign languages at the University of Miami and The University of Alabama, where she met Jim Staff. She moved to Atmore, Alabama, as a young bride in 1964. Many of her dearest friendships were formed during this time as she dedicated herself to raising her family and serving her community. Charlotte was a member of Saint Robert’s Catholic Church and was president of the Junior League; many still enjoy her recipes and illustrations in the Atmore Junior League cookbook “Old Thymes, Savory Tastes.”
She was a talented artist and enjoyed studying under Mary Pittman, Jack Sprague, May Carter, Nina Fritz, and Maureen Wallace. In 1975, she began showing her art and was accepted for juried shows across the South. Her work often featured her grandchildren as her subjects, capturing their essence and the joy they brought into her life. Charlotte had an infectious laugh that could brighten any room and lift the spirits of those around her. Her culinary skills were unmatched, and she loved hosting teas for brides-to-be and planning a supper club for her friends. Known for her generosity, Charlotte was a thoughtful gift-giver who enjoyed sharing with others, especially at Christmas, when her cooking and hostess talents truly shined.
Charlotte was deeply devoted to the children and faculty of the Escambia County education system, where she worked in middle and elementary schools. A lifelong learner, Charlotte returned to school to study psychological assessment, earning her Educational Specialist degree. After moving to Decatur in 1994, she served the public school system as a psychometrist for over 20 years. Charlotte will be remembered for her unwavering faith, love of family and friends, striking beauty, and quick wit.
Charlotte is survived by her brothers, Danny (Ann) and Jerry (Brenda) of Troy, Alabama, and Don (Margaret) of Greenville, South Carolina; her two daughters, Stefanie (John) of Decatur, Alabama, and Shelly (William) of Mobile, Alabama; her beloved grandchildren, Wiley, William, Jack, Sam, and Lu Lu, and many nephews and nieces.
The family will receive friends from 10 AM – 11:45 AM on Friday, May 24th, 2024, at Decatur Methodist Church, 701 Oak Street, Decatur, Alabama. A celebration of Charlotte’s life will follow at noon. Charities dear to her include St. Jude’s Hospital, Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation, and Hospice of the Valley.
