"Her children arise and call her blessed…."

Dearly loved mother, and wife of the late Edgar F. Lochstampfor, Charlotte Crotts Lochstampfor of Columbia, SC entered into the presence of Jesus May 21, 2022. She was 94.
She was born in January 1928 to Edna Long Crotts and George Maxwell Crotts of Biscoe, NC. She was the second of nine children.

After graduating high school, Charlotte attended Columbia Bible College, now Columbia International University, in Columbia, SC. There she met her husband and made many life-long friends. After a year in seminary, and a year in Paris, France for language study, Charlotte and Ed landed in Haute Volta (now Burkina Faso) to work under the Sudan Interior Mission (now Serving in Mission.) They lived among and worked with the Gourma people for 28 years. There, Charlotte was given the name "Bamanou," meaning, "the community received goodness by her having come here."

In 1986, Ed and Charlotte were asked to serve in Kankan, Guinea, a significant transition as they neared retirement. Though in many ways difficult, Charlotte shouldered the assignment with the precept, "For this I have Jesus!" That became her watchword through their last term in Africa and through the many years that have followed.

One of Charlotte's ministries in Africa was to missionaries and expatriates in running the guest house. Providing meals, especially during the dry season months was a significant challenge when a variety of fresh produce was difficult to obtain. She improvised, making many things from scratch including bread, peanut butter, jams and jellies, ketchup, mayonnaise, pickles, and potato chips. Her cinnamon rolls and cured and smoked hams were favorites of many who sat at her table. All were welcome, from missionaries, to young people hitchhiking the continent, to U.S. ambassadors. She was a most gracious hostess.

She enjoyed gardening, appreciating fresh vegetables and brightly colored flowers. She was also an accomplished seamstress, sewing clothes for her children and for herself. Charlotte loved people; there was no one unworthy of her kindness and attention. She especially loved her children and grandchildren. Mostly, she loved Jesus, and prayed for a heart that reflected His love for the world.
She held fast to the promises of God in the Bible, grounding her life in the Truth of His Word.

Charlotte is survived by her children Matt (Elysa,) Tom (Petie,) Susan (Daniel,) Michael (Missy,) Beth (David,) 15 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and one soon to arrive, brother Vance, and sisters Kay, Linda, and Judie. She was predeceased by her husband Edgar, son Andy, sisters Georgette and Audrey, and brothers Curtis and Michael.

We are grateful to Dr. Craig Maylath and Donna Wolfe APN of Prisma Senior Primary Care for their care and support, and to Prisma Hospice staff Shely Allen RN and Joye Jones MSW for going the distance with us. We are also grateful for the week-end care provided by the late Betty Simons, and by Mary Perry.

A private family service will be held graveside at Greenlawn Memorial Park at 12 o'clock, Saturday, June 4, 2022, followed by a memorial service at 3 o'clock at Eau Claire Presbyterian Church in Columbia. The Reverend Adam Shields will preside.

Memorials may be made to SIM USA, 14830 Choate Cir, Charlotte, NC 28273.

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all…. A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."