Charlita Thompkins

Carlita J. Thompkins was born on July 14, 1956, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Charles J. Thompkins and Charmaine C. Thompkins. She peacefully received her wings on March 13, 2026.

Charlita attended Arlington Elementary School and Knoxville Junior High School before graduating from Schenley High School at the young age of 16. She continued her education at Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she earned her Master's Degree in 1980. At just 17 years old, Charlita began her professional career with Mellon Bank, where she built a lifelong dedication to excellence and service in the field of accounting. She later served as an accounting specialist until her retirement in 2018.

During her distinguished career, Charlita spent seven years with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). She was also instrumental in community development efforts, serving as the accountant for the Eastside Youth Athletic Association (EYAA), a program she helped found to support and uplift young boys and girls in the community. In addition, Charlita was among the first board members who assisted in the development of the 21st Century Scholarship Program in Indianapolis, working alongside Mayor Joe Hogsett in 2019. Her commitment to advocacy and empowerment extended to her three-year membership in the National Council of Negro Women.

Charlita and Gerald "Poncho" raised two beloved children, Curtis and Carla Williams. In 1984, she and her family relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she built a life centered on love, resilience, and unwavering determination. Curtis and Carla were her foundation and strength, motivating her to continue living boldly and independently. Even after sustaining an injury, Charlita remained active and devoted, attending family events faithfully and never missing one of her nephews' little league games, rain or shine. Her nephews always looked for "Aunt DD," and she was always there. If you knew Charlita, you knew her strength, determination, and refusal to let anything stand in her way.

Above all, Charlita loved the Lord deeply. She recommitted her life to God on September 1, 1979, at Ethan Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Pastor Bernand and Pastor Wright. After moving to Indianapolis, she found a spiritual home at Zion Hope Baptist Church, where she served proudly on the missionary board. In July 2016, she joined New Fellowship Family Church under the leadership of Pastor Tracy Streeter. No matter where she worshiped, Charlita was deeply loved and returned that love wholeheartedly to her church family. Yet, no love was stronger than that which she had for her children and family. She often referred to her cousins as her brothers and sisters, reflecting the depth of her devotion to family.

Charlita was preceded in death by her son, Ramon Williams; her father, Charles Thompkins Jr.; her stepfather, Harry E. Jefferson; her grandparents, Charles and Lorraine Thompkins; her grandmother, Essie Day; her granddaughter, Cheyenne Yates; and her niece, Kadasia Arnwine.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Charmaine Jefferson; her children, Carla R. Williams and Curtis Williams; her grandchildren, Craig Chambers Jr. and Ebony Yates; her great-grandchildren, Cassidy Yates, Kylie McNeal, JaSean Chambers, and Billion Kersey Jr.; her sisters, Barbara Arnwine and Carla Jordan; her nephews, Ramon Jordan, Carl Jordan IV, Ricardo Jordan, and Ezra Arnwine; her nieces, Alisa Arnwine and Kimberly Arnwine; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.