It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charlotte Plater, a beloved mother, daughter, and devoted woman of God. Charlotte departed from this life on March 8, 2025, at the Austintown Healthcare Center. She was born on September 3, 1940, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the union of Charles W. and Della McQueen Brown, where she would go on to leave an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Charlotte was a proud housekeeper, dedicating her skills and compassion to the medical and hospitality fields at Forum Health for three decades. Her unwavering work ethic and genuine care for others made her a cherished figure within her workplace and the broader community. She appreciated the beauty in simplicity and found joy in the little things of life, which she shared generously with her loved ones.

Charlotte was a faithful servant of the Lord and was a devoted member of Beulah Temple United Holy Church where she joined October 1, 1992. She was a church trustee, secretary of the Home Mission Department and a faithful served as an usher for many years. She was an encourager to the youth through the many cards she was send randomly. A woman who embraced the power of praise and prayer, her favorite worship song was “He Is My Everything” and Psalms 23 gave her fortitude and strength. She was known for her delicious harvard beets at church dinner functions.

As a devoted mother, Charlotte raised her children, Celeste (James)Bryant of Youngstown, Craig (Denise) Forest Sr. of Youngstown, and Curt (Iesha)Forest of New Jersey, with unconditional love and guidance. She was always there to offer support, encouragement, and a listening ear, embodying the definition of a caring guardian.

Charlotte was equally loved by her late father, Charles Brown, and her late mother, Della Brown, who instilled in her the values of hard work and resilience that she would pass on to her own children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She is also treasured by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

As her faith became sight, she was reunited in eternity with her parents; husband Ernest Plater, whom she married September 20, 1985, brothers John Young and Perlie Young; sisters Carrie Colvin, Doris Sewell and Juanita Shaw and granddaughter Carmen Forest.

Friends, family, and community members are welcome to join us in honoring the life of this extraordinary woman. Charlotte’s farewell will be celebrated with services at Beulah Temple United Holy Church, 523 Griffith Street, on Saturday March 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM with public viewing. The funeral will begin at 10:00 AM with Dr. Lawrence Freeman officiating. In her memory, Charlotte will be laid to rest at Tod Homestead Cemetery after a committal service. a place where her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

In this time of loss, let us remember Charlotte Plater not only for her devotion to her family and work but also for the kindness and joy she spread so freely throughout her life. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the beloved family of Charlotte Plater elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.