On the morning of Monday, February 9, 2026, Charlotte Marie Howard Hutchins, passed away peacefully in the care of her loving and devoted Riverchase family in Gautier. She was having a good day and on Sunday enjoyed a visit with friends from 21st St. Baptist Church Pascagoula.

Charlotte was born February 22, 1937, in Baxterville, MS, to JC Howard and Ella Kittrell Howard. She was the oldest of 4 children, Vardamen, Bettie, and Bea. Very early in her life she developed cerebral palsy, affecting her left side. Although, she must have had a challenging childhood coping with a disability, she never let it slow her down. She did everything other girls did including learning to drive (a stick shift, no less) and working in a department store. Charlotte took on a great deal of responsibility at a young age becoming another "mother" to her much younger sister, Bea, as their mother cared for Bettie who had very special needs at a time when there wasn't much social support.
Charlotte graduated from Pascagoula High School in 1955. In October of that year, she married Abner Hutchins whose sister and brother-in-law, Henrietta and James Lebatard, lived across the street. She and Abner lived on a military base in Georgia before returning to MS, where she worked at E.R. Moore Sewing. There she met Sue Sasser, who remained her best friend for life.
In the mid-1960s, they moved to Texas where they lived near Abner's other brothers and sister. They were married 13 years before they were blessed with two well-awaited daughters, Rose Marie and Terrie Denice. Thrilled to be parents, at last, they provided their girls with the finest things they could even on a modest budget. Trips between Texas and Mississippi were frequent, and eventually the family moved back to MS.
Once back home, Charlotte was incredibly active in her daughter's lives, including helping to establish the Buddy Davis Girl's Softball Field, making life-long friends and ensuring girls would have a place to play for decades to come. She excelled at fund-raising and campaigning, allowing both girls to win the title of Gautier Dixie Youth Baseball Queen. She also loved to go shrimping with Abner and their best friend and "brother" Odell Salisbury.
In the mid-80s, Charlotte became a Nanny. This is where she really shined as she loved babies! She took care of so many children that it is impossible to name them all. Many have become extended family and are mentioned below.
During this same time Charlotte devoted herself to caring for her sister, Bettie, and her parents in their later years. Challenging as it was, she would have had it no other way.
In 1991 Charlotte and Abner became grandparents to Terrie's son, Caleb Martin Dunston. They could not have been prouder or more in love! Charlotte was" Nanny" to Caleb and she was thrilled knowing he and his wife Melanie are expecting their first child.
After becoming a widow in 2010 Charlotte moved to Bayside Village (the old Pascagoula High School) and life was coming full circle. She made wonderful friends there who eventually became caregivers and "sisters" by love if not biology. The family is especially thankful to Mavis Havis and Maggie Jones who helped Charlotte to live at home as long as possible. In 2021, Charlotte moved to Riverchase Village where she received care and attention around the clock. She made wonderful friends and told her family that although she wished she could still live at home, she was content and could not ask for better care. Charlotte was a bit of a "Queen Bee" at Riverchase and was doted on by the staff. She had excellent caregivers who she looked forward to seeing every day. "We love Charlotte!" was frequently heard when the family came to visit. She could not have spent her later years in a more loving environment.
Charlotte is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rose Marie Wittersheim (Howell Hopper), Terrie Broussard (Drake Broussard); her sister, Bea Hobby (Larry Hobby); grandson, Caleb Dunston (Melanie nee Verrett); and nephew Cecil Tillman, who was a great comfort during her later years; innumerable other nieces, nephews, cousins, family friends, and loved ones.
And, then there are Nanny's "babies" and their families. These cannot go unmentioned because of the indelible mark left upon Nanny's heart. Not all are still with us but are remembered in spirit. Jacob and Jessica Gibson (Mary and Richard), Tracie Green George (Shelia and Shorty), Edna Sprinkle (Mary), John Roger "JR" Haynes (Barbara and Les); Drew Newman and Callie Newman Simms (Bonita and Andrew); Michelle Hatten (Elizabeth and Mark); Ashton and Christian Aguilar (Shannon and James ); Thomas Brooks and Adam Tillman (Kay Kay and Tommy, Cecil); Justin and April Clark (Cindy); Casie Harrison Duffy and Chase Galloway (Deana); April Moffett (Angela); and Jamie Burge (Amanda and Jimmy; Grandparents Odell and Ann). There were many others who were also deeply loved.
Special thanks to the staff at Riverchase Village who loved and cared for her like she was family; Dr William Evans and Connie Klotzbach, PA, at SRHS Neurology; Tonya and Dr. Thomas Stevens, SRHS; 21st Street Baptist Church, especially Alton and Julie Bass, Dolly Jean Page and family; and most lovingly, Dr. Daniel Wittersheim for his endless patience and indulgence of our beloved Charlotte.
Memorial services will be provided by Holder Wells Funeral Home, 4007 Main St, Moss Point, MS, on Saturday February 21, beginning at 10:30 for the family; 11-12:30 for extended family and friends; with a memorial service at 12:30 in the chapel. Grave side service will take place at Crestlawn Memorial Park, 4111 Bienville Blvd (HWY 90), Ocean Springs. A reception will follow at Gautier Senior Center at approximately 2:00 pm.
Charlotte loved flowers! However, if you prefer, in lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to take the time to call or visit a loved one of your own who may feel lonely or in need of some attention and care.