“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”  Isaiah 43:1

Charlotte Marie Dingler Guillory, born on Nov. 29, 1946, was joyfully welcomed into her forever home on Jan. 19, 2024. Charlotte died peacefully in her home after an extended illness surrounded by her loving husband and extended family.

We believe heavenly angels receive their angel wings upon arrival into our Lord’s Kingdom, but Charlotte had angel wings long before.  She evidently came into this world equipped with invisible wings fluffed and ready to carry her into a life of giving, sacrifice, love and sharing, for those attributes guided her entire life. Charlotte was filled with love to share with the family she was born into, the family she married into, the family she and Gerald created, and the family of friends she made along her earthly journey. Her ultimate mission in life was sharing God’s love, sprinkling her own unique love to all, and making those she came into contact with feel special and of the utmost importance. She taught love, she expanded love, she gifted love.

Charlotte was a 1964 graduate of Lake Charles High School. She then attended McNeese in a two-year program for Secretarial Business.  She and her high school sweetheart, Gerald, married in 1965 and for four years lived out of state while Gerald served in the United States Air Force.  Upon Gerald’s fulfillment of his military duties, they returned home to Lake Charles to begin their careers in the family business, Solar Supply, Inc. Charlotte diligently performed her duties there as company Secretary/Treasurer for 40 plus years until her retirement.  

As a full-time working mother of three active sons, Charlotte was also committed to volunteer work in their schools, most especially at Fall Festival time.  She would cut out and hand-paint wooden treasures of all shapes and sizes for sale at the Our Lady Queen of Heaven School carnival.  She attended all of her sons’ sporting events with enthusiasm.  She and Gerald were active in the Contraband Ski Team and were for many years drivers of the boat in which behind this boat, the ski members performed their well-rehearsed feats of daring water skills on the Lake Charles waterfront.

The next stage of welcomed gifts in Charlotte’s life were her grandchildren, whom she loved fiercely and passionately. Affectionately known as Granny, these little people became her new mission.  Spoiling and nurturing was something that came easily to Charlotte, and she performed with immense delight. The Guillory grandchildren fondly remember the times spent with Granny and Paw creating the colorful memories that shall carry on forever.  

It was apparent that Charlotte innately knew the greatest thing one can gain in their lifetime is the ability to love, and to love greatly. Those she loved were blessed to be touched by her existence and the imprint she has left on their hearts. She made the world of those in her life better by heeding God’s call to be “present” to the needs of others, to share her gifts, to love freely, fully and unconditionally.  Upon her heavenly arrival, God has spoken to her, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Thelma Dingler.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Gerald Anthony Guillory; her sons, Jerry Guillory, Tait Guillory and wife, Suzanne,  Brandon Guillory and wife, Brandi, and Tessie Guillory, all of Lake Charles; her treasured grandchildren, Austin, Camie, Hunter, Kenzie, Sadie, Gray, Chase, Jace, and a great-grandson due to arrive in a few weeks; her sister, Charmayne Dingler Yelverton and husband, Jamie; and her brother, Ronnie Dingler and wife, Jo Lynn, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 in St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Msgr. Harry Greig will serve as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass, with a rosary being recited at 1 p.m.

Pallbearers will be her four grandsons, Austin Guillory, Hunter Guillory, Gray Guillory, Chase Guillory, and Louis Thompson and Noah Savoit. 

The family extends their extreme gratitude to caregivers, Lisa, Shay, Carolane, and Judy who so lovingly took care of Charlotte. Also, sincere thanks to all additional caregivers of LeeAnna’s Caregiving Service who tended to Charlotte in these last months. They want to also thank Amedisys Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 5495 Elliott Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70605.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.