Charlotte D. Anthony
Charlotte Dale (Cooley) Anthony, 77, passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer on Feb. 9, 2026, in Tontitown, Arkansas, surrounded by her family.
Charlotte was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on June 14, 1948, to Alton Dale Cooley and Louise Alliene (Dickey) Cooley. Growing up, Charlotte loved ballet, piano, and visiting her grandmother in Murfreesboro, where she might find a litter of kittens in the barn. She played the flute and piccolo in the Hot Springs High School pep and marching bands. In 1970, she received her Elementary Education degree from the University of Arkansas, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Charlotte began her teaching career working with preschoolers at Greenhill School in Dallas, Texas. Later, she earned her master's degree in education and went on to teach elementary school and literacy intervention in the Lakeside School District.
You could always find Charlotte pulling weeds, tending plants, or arranging flowers. She inherited her love of gardening from her mother and grandmother and shared it with her children. As a member of the Hot Springs Master Gardeners, she helped beautify her community.
Charlotte gave of her time and talents to the Methodist church, from teaching children's Sunday school to serving on the altar guild. She enjoyed playing in the handbell choir and playing piano and organ at early services.
An artist at heart, Charlotte added magic to every day. She used flowers, found objects, and other treasures to design vignettes and tablescapes. She delighted her children and grandchildren with creative projects--whether it was the "happy trash" box of art supplies, an old-fashioned taffy pull, or science experiments. She also won ribbons at the Garland County Fair for her whimsical entries.
Charlotte shared the gift of storytelling with her father and brother, recounting funny and meaningful family stories. She also participated in storytelling performances and competitions.
A devoted wife and mother, Charlotte's love for her family was boundless. She cherished her friendships and never met a stranger. Her cheerful spirit and kindness were felt by all who encountered her. She was loved by so many.
Visitation will be held at Caruth-Hale Life Celebration Center on Airport Road on from 5 - 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. at Caruth-Hale Life Celebration Center on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, A private graveside service and burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Will Anthony, Colin McQueen, Jack McQueen, Michael Bonis, Chris Cooley, and Bobby Caldwell.
Charlotte is survived by her husband of 57 years, Mark; their two children, Amy Anthony McQueen of St. Louis, Missouri, and John William Anthony (Danielle) of Tontitown, Arkansas; and three grandchildren, Colin Patrick McQueen, Jack Cooley McQueen, and Charlotte ("Charlee") Jo Anthony. She also leaves behind her beloved brother, Eldon Dickey Cooley, and sister-in-law, Martha Dale; niece Melissa Cooley Caldwell (Bobby) and nephew Chris Cooley (Cristy); and great-nieces and great-nephews Catherine Caldwell Thornton, Caroline Caldwell, Jacob Cooley, and Emma Grace Cooley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Project HOPE Food Bank or Garvan Woodland Gardens.
Online condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.
