Charrisse

Ladson

To know Charrisse was to know of her generous spirit, her infectious laugh, her commanding tongue, and her loyal love that she shared with all who entered her space. Charrisse touched all who she encountered, and she leaves a legacy of love behind her.

"We love, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Charrisse Elizabeth Ann Ladson was born on May 25, 1972 in New York, to Samuel Ladson, Jr. and Verdell Hudson, joining their eldest daughter Michelle. Her parents, along with the influence of her grandmothers Lizzie Mae Ladson and Mary Hill, instilled in her core values to respect her elders, love her family, and seek the Lord. She began her relationship with God at St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Harlem, NY, serving on the youth usher board and children's choir.  As she grew into adulthood, Charrisse contributed to serve others and share her caring nature through her career paths, first in the cosmetology industry, and culminating as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Jewish Home & Hospital in the Bronx. It is in this field where she felt her true calling, which was delivering care to her patients. She sought to make them as comfortable as possible, caring for them as she would her own grandparents, and showing them compassion in their time of need.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

As a resident of River Park Towers, Charrisse's door was always open to those who needed to come through. Filling the air with music and cooking up various meals, it was important to her that both your soul and your body were well-fed. Charrisse took care of those around her. She lifted your spirits by making jokes, pulling you up to dance, or simply by being a listening ear. And if you needed advice, she was prepared to tell you the harsh truth you needed to hear to help you be better. But you couldn't get mad, because you knew she loved you with her truth.

"But for those who honor the LORD, his love lasts forever, and his goodness endures for all generations." Psalm 103:17

Charrisse was a devoted daughter to Verdell, rarely putting much distance between them. Living in the same building, she cared for her mother unconditionally, and taught her own children to do the same. Among all other titles and traits, Charrisse viewed her greatest role to be that of a mother to Christopher, Darius, and Ayanna. She raised her sons to be good, genuine individuals, who respected others and in turn, gained respect back. As she loved them, she taught them to love others and be strong, confident Black men. She poured her love into her "baby" Ayanna, reminding her that she is beautiful inside and out. Her happiest days were those hanging with her "Yanni," shopping and getting their nails done. Charrisse's joy increased exponentially when she took on the title of "Grandma" to Aiden, Jordyn, and Kamryn. Just as Charrisse carried on the legacy of her grandmothers, she too left her mark of love on her grandchildren.

"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

Charrisse entered her eternal rest on February 6, 2021, surrounded by her family (in person and virtually) after 313 days battling COVID-19. She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, father, and uncle Frankie.

Charrisse leaves to cherish her memories: her mother Verdell; stepfather Daniel Morales; children Christopher (Tiffany), Darius (Keiona), and Ayanna; grandchildren Aiden (6), Jordyn (6), and Kamryn (6); sisters Michelle, Samarria, and Brittney; brother Melvin; aunts Elaine, Anne, Pauline, Mary Jane, Angela, Francina, Sha Sha; uncle Richard; 33 first cousins (including Michael, her spiritual confidante), and a host of other relatives, friends and neighbors.