Charlotte Ann Caldwell

Charlotte Ann McKinney Caldwell, 87, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at Dominion Assisted Living, Anderson, South Carolina.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am on Wednesday January 21, 2026, at Riverland Hills Baptist Church with a private burial to follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  

 Charlotte was born in Irondale, Alabama to Lester Thomas McKinney and Ada Vastie McKinney. From humble beginnings, she enjoyed a life rich in the faithfulness of God, adventures in His wonderful creation, and a God-given curiosity. Charlotte would be quoted as saying, “God has instilled within me an almost painful, physical desire to explain my faith through song…desiring to praise Him, to share Him and thank Him for His constant mercies and love.” Her passion for the Lord was never more evident than in her singing and teaching.

 Charlotte graduated from Huwitt Trussville High School with honors. She then worked for two years to attend the University of Montevallo. She graduated with a degree in Music Education and later went on to earn the Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Florida State University. She taught voice in her home, and at the University of South Carolina. She sang in many revivals, church services, concerts and civic organizations. Her early promise to become a public-school music teacher was honored. She taught in Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina, retiring from Lexington District Five’s Nursery Road Elementary School. 

Charlotte’s highest calling remained to God and her work in the church – specifically, Riverland Hills Baptist Church. She served in children’s choirs and sang in the Adult Choir (she was always the greatest fan of the director, James Caldwell). Her final Sunday School class, “The Lamp Lighter’s” remained her “Heart’s Class” until her passing. 

Charlotte enjoyed her beloved James, her children and her, “Priceless children-in-laws,” grandchildren and great grandchildren generously sharing her laughter, knowledge, and abiding faith. 

She is survived by her children, Clif Caldwell (Julie) of Greer, SC; Kim Powell (Rob) of McCormick, SC; David Caldwell (Stephanie) of Jefferson, GA; grandchildren Sydney Detweiler (Joshua), Sally Nichols (Destin), Harrison Caldwell (Maggie), Hudson Caldwell (Sara), Lauren Caldwell, Ellison Caldwell, Shawn Caldwell and Eli Powell; great grandchildren Cory, Parker, Emory, Layla, Charlotte, Juliet, Shepherd, Brooklyn, Millie Jo, Camden, Tytus, Kennedy, and Carly; nieces and nephews Vicki Mullins (Richard), Tip McQueen, Adel McQueen, Amy Harrison, Diane Meade, Vicky Meade, Jimmy Meade (Sharon), Candace Cooper (Ty), Ben Meade (Carmen). Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, James Leroy Caldwell; her parents Lester Thomas and Ada Vastie McKinney; her sister, Lois Flemming (Leon); brothers, Ralph Meade (Nancy) and Tommy Meade (Martha); her nephews, Jack Harrison, Jr. and Greg Meade and great niece Allie Mullins. 

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorials be made to the Riverland Hills Baptist Church Music Budget: 201 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, South Carolina 29063. The family is sincerely grateful to RHBC, Temples-Halloran Funeral Home, and the devoted caregivers at Lakeside Place Assisted Living, Dominion Assisted Living and Hospice of the Upstate.