Scharlotte Saxon

Scharlotte Ann Saxon, age 72 of Gulfport, passed away on June 18, 2021.

Scharlotte was preceded in death by her mother Rubye Lee Saxon; her brother, Kenneth Saxon; and her infant nephew, Ian Christopher Telemeco.

She is survived by her father, D. Saxon; her sisters, Stephanie (Allen) Purvis and Deborah (Tony) Telemeco; her sister-in-law, Margaret Saxon; her nieces and nephews, Julie Butler, Kisha Godfrey, Brennan Purvis, Rory Telemeco, and Maria Telemeco; and her seven great nieces and nephews.

Scharlotte was born in New Orleans, LA. Being a military brat, her early life included living in France and Formosa (now Taiwan), South Dakota, but most Important, the MS Gulf Coast. Traveling must have gotten into her blood because she traveled extensively later in life.  Scharlotte was a good student from Dukate Elementary to Gulfport High School, graduating a year early in 1965.  From early youth she took up piano and became an accomplished pianist, first playing for services at the Salvation Army and later playing for scores of brides’ weddings, including sisters, nephews, friends and strangers. Scharlotte bought herself a grand piano and moved it with her all over the world.  Until 2016 Scharlotte was employed at two churches playing piano and organ for worship services. She could be coaxed into playing for residents at Seashore Highlands up until about 2019.  She also worked as a lifeguard in her teen years at the Markham Hotel and College Park Fitness Center.  Education was Shar’s true calling. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) she took her first teaching job at MS City Elementary as a first-grade teacher.  She went on to teach English and Latin at Gulfport High School.  She loved teaching high school students and challenged them to do their best. After 15 years in public schools, Shar went to work for the Department of Defense (DOD) for 23 years. She taught American children at military facilities all over the world.  She was assigned to schools in Italy, Spain, Japan and South Korea.  She loved that life and traveled to a number of other countries while working for DOD.  During that phase in life, Shar earned two master’s degrees and a specialist in education at USM, plus a PHD from Florida State, while battling cancer.  In retirement Shar joined the Gulf Coast Newcomers Club, which she greatly enjoyed, making many friends.  She served as president in 2011.  Having no children of her own Shar relished her time with her nieces and nephews and later, their children.  Every one adored their Aunt Scharlotte.  The family wishes to thank the following for their loving care of Scharlotte through her illness: Dr. Ben Cheney and staff, Seashore Highlands Assisted Living and Memory Care staff, and SouthernCare Hospice Services.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held one hour prior.

Burial will be on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in Scott County at Ephesus Baptist Church Cemetery in the Ringold Community at 1:00 pm.

Riemann Family Funeral Homes, Gulfport, is serving the family, and memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com