Charlesetta Mayberry
Charlesetta Mayberry was born in Cameron on July 15, 1951, to Vernell Wilcox and Jimmie Norwood. Charlesetta attended Aycock Public School until 1968 and in 1969 the schools were intergraded and she went to Rockdale High School where she graduated in 1970.
Charlesetta attended Baylor College in Waco where she received a Business Management Certificate. She used that degree to assist many of her family and friends by completing their federal income tax returns. She was a very business minded woman and made sure her finances were in order.
Charlesetta Norwood was united in Holy Matrimony to Cassie B. Mayberry in 1971. To this union they had one son, Michael L. Mayberry. Later, Charlesetta met Willie Howard Jr. and together they had one son, David T. Mayberry.
Charlesetta was employed in Baytown at a nursing facility where she provided food services to the residents. In 1989, Charlesetta moved back to Rockdale where she gained employment at the Arboretum and continued to provide services to the residents until she was promoted to head supervisor of the kitchen. During her time at the Arboretum, she was under the supervision of Mrs. Phillips who shaped and molded her for the position of supervisor. Charlesetta did not use her position as a power trip, she continued to provide caring services to the residents and as a way to form lifelong friendships.
Charlesetta accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Salter Chapel A.M.E. in Minerva, where she remained an active member until the church combined with Allen Chapel A.M.E. Charlesetta remained an active member at Allen Chapel A.M.E. until the Lord called her home on July 17, 2021.
Charlesetta was kind, caring and had a big heart. She always put God first and family was important to her. Charlesetta never knew a stranger, was always smiling and willing to give a helping hand to those in need. Charlesetta was going to always give back to the Lord what He required of her (tithes and offering), she always made sure all her bills were paid and that her boys (Mike & David) were taken care of.
She is preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Marzella “Big Mama” Wilcox; her dear mom, Vernell Pankey; her dad, Jimmie Norwood; and several aunts and uncles.
Charlesetta’s memories will be cherished by her sons, Michael Mayberry and wife Tanie of Cameron, and David Mayberry of Rockdale; father, Robert Pankey Sr. and wife Mary of Cameron; five loving sisters, Dorothy Slaughter and husband Wayne, Marcella McMeans, Carol Lang, Tammie Jefferson and husband Calvin, and Pamela Zachary; five brothers, Charles Heights, James E. Wilcox, Minister Larry Wilcox and wife Jackie, Samuel Wilcox, and Robert Pankey and wife Jimi; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Funeral Service for Charlesetta Mayberry will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale, with Willie Phillips Sr. officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are Trojan Richardson, Haven Pankey, Bobby Joe Tindle Jr., Derrick Wilcox, Brandon Wilcox, and Eric Mayberry.