Charlotte E. Tuten, 95, of Johnson City, TN passed away March 29, 2026.
Charlotte lived a full and happy life. She was born in New York City then moved to Limestone, TN with the family as a child and they lived on a farm by the Nolichucky River. She met Paul Phillips there and they married and moved to Adeline, Illinois and had 2 children, Debbie and Dan. She and Paul moved to Northern Virginia in 1966 and stayed there until both children graduated high school and then they moved back to Limestone. Charlotte set up a ceramic shop in their home and met many friends and neighbors carrying on her small business. Later in her life she met Herman who was from Hampton County, SC where they were married and she lived there until after Herman passed away. Charlotte and Herman loved to celebrate the Hampton County watermelon festival each year where she won awards for her wreath making and watermelon themed decorations. Charlotte was also a member of the Scarlet O’Hatra’s, The Red Hat Society of Varnville. After Herman passed, Charlotte went back to Johnson City, TN and lived with her loving sister, Geri, for the last 10 years. Charlotte was a member of Sandy Run Baptist Church in Varnville, SC where she will be laid to rest beside Herman and Debbie in the Sandy Run cemetery.
Charlotte is survived by her son, Dan Phillips and his wife, Denise. Also, a brother, Kenneth Nelson; grandchildren, Paul Fleury, Jill Devoe, Donovan Phillips and Kate Phillips.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Edith Nelson and spouses, Paul Phillips and Herman Tuten. Also predeceasing her where daughter, Debbie Webb and siblings, Junior Nelson, Earl Nelson, Pauline Whitworth, Francis Laws, Bob Nelson, Geraldine Ball and Maggie Saults.
Special thanks to her caregivers and friends Scarlet Hammer and Louise Timmins. Also, thanks to her niece and nephew, Sharon Rush and husband Mike and Billy Ball for their numerous visits to cheer her on while she was at home and at NHC.
A Celebration of Life Service will be at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Mr. Frank Arthur officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, prior to the service.
I remember Charlotte as being a kind and fun loving person. She loved playing cards with our family. So many, many laughs. I remember the first time I met Charlotte and her daughter Debbie. We were neighbors and they came to our house and introduced themselves. I still have that picture of Charlotte and Debbie coming up to the front door and they both had the thickest, most beautiful hair I’d ever seen. Our family moved to Arlington, VA in Oct 1966 and even though we were no longer close neighbors we stayed in close touch. Charlotte will be missed as is her daughter, Debbie.
04/03/2026
Brittany Hope
I sure loved Mrs.Charlotte she never forgot me no matter how long it had been since and was always so sweet to me. Between her and nanny(Geri Ball) there was never a dull moment in the house that's for sure I sure miss seeing her smiling face everyday I am glad she is at peace now along with nanny.
04/02/2026
Mary Bell Bonsall
Charlotte and her children, Debbie and Danny were a dear friends of our family for many years when we all lived in Adeline. I remember her as a lot of fun.
