Having squeezed every experience and drop of life from her 89 years, Charolette (Char) Drinkard died
peacefully on September 6, 2020 with family at her side.

Char was born in Chicago, IL on April 26, 1931 and that year won the title of Best Personality in Cook
County's Most Beautiful Baby Contest; a title that set the stage for her entire life.
Her early years were spent in the Windy City and the northern suburbs of Oak Park and River Forest with
her parents; Richard and Hazel Pick; and younger brother Roger. In later years, Char would share stories
of spending days speed skating on the frozen Chicago River, competing as a synchronized swimmer,
playing with the Lennon Sisters and the children of Lawrence Welk, and engaging in behaviors that are
best described as mischievous fun; something that would become a trend throughout her life.
After her high school graduation, Char moved with her family to New Port Richey, FL where they opened
a motel. It was also in New Port Richey where Char would meet Jim Drinkard, the man who would
become her husband in 1951.

Together, Char and Jim nurtured a family that was classic Americana. Jim brought home the bacon while
Char forged their children into adults in her own image; independent, strong-willed . . some may even say
stubborn. Her home was always neat, orderly, and (above all) fun. Char's home always became the place
where friends and family chose to gather; everyone was welcome and all who entered left as friends who,
more often than not, were thought of as family.

While a social and gregarious person, Char was a woman of principle who worked to help those in need.
After learning that some community children were not coming to school because their families could not
afford basic garments, Char quietly organized an underwear drive. More public opportunities for giving
included coordinating an annual strawberry social and auction to raise money for a local elementary
school. She could, however, also turn into a powerful and vociferous crusader if she felt anyone was
being treated unfairly or without the respect she felt was owed to all.

Charolette Drinkard was preceded in death by her husband Jim Drinkard (1984), a son (James Richard
Drinkard (1960), and grandson Benjamin Logan Burton (2012). She is survived by her brother Roger
Pick (Port Townsend, WA) and her children; Cindy Smith (Decatur, GA), Lyn Drinkard (Warner Robins,
GA), Teri Burton (Eastman, GA), and James Drinkard (Woodstock, GA); and their families; including
five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Char's life, please spend some mischievous fun with your family
and friends. Tell stories from years past and make memories to pass down through the generations. Raise
a glass and toast to the woman we all loved dearly.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.lakesidefuneralhomega.com

Lakeside Funeral Home 121 Claremore Drive Woodstock GA 30188 ph. 770) 293-2757 is honored to assist the Drinkard family.