Charlotte Nichols Denson

Charlotte Nichols Denson, age 88, of Madison, Alabama, passed away on August 15, 2026, with her husband of 67 years, Elton Sims Denson, by her side and holding her hand. Theirs was a true love story. They were high school sweethearts and Elton joined the Navy after graduation, while Charlotte went on to attend Auburn University to pursue a degree in Education. Upon Elton returning from service, they married and Charlotte then worked to put Elton through school to graduate from Auburn in Electrical Engineering. They had such fond memories throughout their time at Auburn as well as the many places they called home (Clay County, Alabama, Morganton, North Carolina, Memphis, Tennessee, Riverside, California, and Lakeland, Florida, for 44 years). Their marriage was a true love story and left a legacy of adoration, commitment, and joy.

Charlotte was a woman of deep faith and generous spirit. She was a longtime active member of First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in Lakeland, Florida, and more recently joined Church of the Highlands after moving to Madison. Her commitment to helping others shone through her involvement with the Women’s Club of Morganton, North Carolina; Assistants League, Riverside, California; Engineers Wives of Polk County, Florida; Antique Club; PEO Sisterhood; FPC Circle Chair; and Chairman of Cotillion Holly Ball. Charlotte served on the board of Young Life, and had a deep love and support for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Samaritan’s Purse, Shriners Hospital for Children, the Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity.

Charlotte was a tender-hearted, outgoing, loving, fun, social butterfly. She was a true southern lady and a fierce Auburn football fan. She was an extremely devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and most recently great grandmother. Her faith in Jesus guided every part of her life, and her example of walking with Christ – through prayer, kindness, and steadfast trust in God – will impact our lives forever. Her family and friends take comfort in knowing she is in Glory and will see her again. Charlotte is survived by her husband of 67 wonderful years, Elton Sims Denson; son Elton Sims Denson, Jr.; daughter Susan Denson Bigelow; grandchildren Morgan Denson, Ethan Denson, Michael Bigelow, Christopher Denson, Charlotte Bigelow, Amalya Denson, Nathaniel Denson, Jude Denson, Talya Denson, and Gabriel Denson; and great-grandsons Banks Bigelow and Bo Bigelow (due in October 2026).

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Legacy Chapel, 16 Hughes Road, Madison, Alabama on August 29, 2026. Visitation will be at 1:00pm, with the service at 2:00pm.

*Please feel free to wear a bright tie and/or happy colors. Charlotte would love that!!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.