Topeka Collette Charlton

Topeka Collette Charlton passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born on August 23, 1980, in Lorain, Ohio, Topeka was born into a large and loving family and was surrounded throughout her life by many who loved, nurtured, and helped shape the woman she became. She was the daughter of Corrina "Coco" Charlton, John Armstrong Sr., Joseph Cook, Inez Cook Anderson, Musett and Anthony Bennett, and Carla and Tracy Barnett. Throughout her life, she was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

Although born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, Topeka called San Antonio, Texas, home for the past ten years. No matter where life took her, her roots remained firmly planted in the love of her family. Her beautiful smile could brighten any room, and her bubbly spirit made people feel instantly at ease. Her energy was undeniable. Her presence was felt.

She possessed a rare gift of leaving people better than she found them.

To know Topeka was to feel loved. She knew everyone, and everyone knew her. From the youngest child to the oldest relative, nearly everyone had a nickname, a special memory, or a personal connection with her. She had a way of making people feel important, seen, and valued. Topeka loved her family deeply. She treasured every gathering, every conversation, and every opportunity to spend time with the people she loved. She found joy in traveling, reading, and enjoying her beloved fountain Pepsi.

Her faith was an important part of her life. She attended True Vision Church in San Antonio, Texas, under the leadership of Pastor Michael Steve Brown, where she found strength, encouragement, and fellowship within her church family. She especially loved taking pictures. Photographs became her way of preserving memories and holding close the people she loved. They served as reminders of who she loved and who loved her in return.

Topeka was a caregiver by nature. She showed up for people. She cared for others. She gave of herself freely and carried burdens that were not always her own. No matter how she may have felt personally, she was always there when someone needed her. Her love was demonstrated not only through words, but through her presence, her support, and her willingness to help others.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her children, Jaida Beard and Jzaileic Charlton; her grandchildren, Armani Sewell and Alaina Taylor; her parents, Musett and Anthony Bennett, and Carla and Tracy Barnett; her siblings David Anthony Charlton, Sharita Charlton, Aaronica Charlton, Bernadette Charlton, Darlene Johnson, Shameka Stewart Armstrong, Aja Armstrong, John Armstrong, Bobbie Smith, John "Stooder" Armstrong, Gladys Marie Crisp, Carmen Judson, Carmela Noble, Susan Wallace, Madelyn Cook, Greta Randleman, Valda Kent, James S. Moon, Summary Blunt, and Sasha Flowers.

She also leaves behind an abundance of Godchildren whom she loved immensely; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, sister-cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by Corrina "Coco" Charlton, John Armstrong Sr., Joseph Cook, Inez Cook Anderson, Dorothy Lee Charlton, Annie Pearl Charlton, Charles D. Charlton, David Charlton, Dorothy Windham-Charlton, Geraldine Holiday, Charlie Dee Charlton Sr., Walter Thompson, Annie Lee Barnes, Lisa Ann Barnes, Marlena Taylor, Nathaniel Charlton, Lucilla P. Edwards, Jason Smith, John Armstrong Jr., Kacie Thorpe, and Troy Jones.

Though her passing was unexpected, her love remains. Her laughter remains. The memories she captured through photos remain. The impact she made on others remains. Like a rose that found beauty and strength despite the concrete around it, Topeka blossomed, loved deeply, and left her fragrance on every life she touched. Her spirit, her kindness, and her unwavering love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration and remembrance on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home & Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053. Immediately following the viewing, family and friends are invited to continue celebrating her life during the repast at 2500 Elyria Ave., Lorain OH 44055, from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.