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Celebrating the life of

Charles A. Jolivette

Passed away on March 09, 2024

Charles A. Jolivette

Charles Antion Jolivette, 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at his home with his husband, Lee Thornburg, and friends by his side.  He was born August 31,1952, in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, to the late Howard Jolivette and Gertie Fontenot Wilson.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Ken Jolivette, and sister Joelle Jolivette Gonzalez.

Charlie worked for the Department Of Justice, Anti Trust Division, in San Francisco, California for 37 years.  After retiring Charlie attended City College of Nursing in San Francisco, California.  Upon graduation he became a hospice nurse working at “Coming Home Hospice”, before moving to Savannah, Ga where he volunteered at “Hospice Savannah” for 10 years.

Charlie was a communicant of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

He was a very social person, and enjoyed entering car shows with his 1956 GMC Truck, which he restored with a Corvette engine.  He was a devoted fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race.  Charlie was Miss Gay California 1976 and 1977.

Charlie is survived by his devoted husband of 42 years, Lee Thornburg, two sisters, Greta Jolivette Conway, Karen Jolivette Stockton, nephews Roy, Dale, Andrew, and other nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is also survived by many friends, from California and Georgia.

The family wishes to thank Dr. B for the loving and excellent care she gave Charlie.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica, Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. 

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

So sorry to hear this very sad news! Charlie was a shining light!

- William , Bluffton , SC

We so extremely sorry to lose Charlie. We had such a connection and will miss his wonderful sense of humor. Glad him and Lee got to see Italy.

- Lee and Rachel Toraya, Savannah, GA

Much sympathy to the family. We will all miss our friend at Hospice Savannah.

- Charlene DeNoon Altman, Savannah, GA

I worked with Charlie at Hospice Savannah and chatted with him recently at Publix. He helped me by “starring” in a hospice marketing movie, by training other volunteers, and by so willingly staffing our Covid 19 vaccination clinics. He was the most caring, intelligent, and funny man. My sincere condolences to his family and especially to his husband- he loved you completely.

- Beth Logan, Savannah, GA

Oh Charley we will so miss your joy and wonderful love of life. What a gift you were.

- Frances W Smith, Savannah, GA

Love you always Uncle Charlie. Sending our prayers and love Uncle Lee

- Andrew Jolivétte & Anthony Marte , San Diego , California

I am saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. We had a Louisiana connection but more than that he was such a joyous, loving , generous person. I can hear his voice as I write this. He will be missed. Condolences to Lee and his family.

- Liz Juneau , Savannah , Georgia

A candle has been lit!

My heart is breaking for you Lee! Charlie was such a wonderful and special person! Working with him all those years in the Antitrust Division and meeting you, Lee, was such a blessing. I can’t begin to imagine the pain you’re feeling, but I’m here for you no matter what! Sending my heartfelt condolences and love!

- JUDY KITCHIN, Midland, VA

A candle has been lit!

Words are not adequate for what I am feeling. I have so many fond memories of Charlie, as recent as March 1, 2024. I worked in the DOJ Washington Antitrust Division Office, and our friendship began instantly. He embraced my family and introduced me to Lee and his family/friends. He had a presence that didn't always require words and filled the room. He had a sense of humor that kept you laughing. When I visited him in CA, I met his cocker spaniel Bogart whom I feel in love with so much that I also adopted one from OR.! We laughed and cried together. I also visited him in Savannah and true to his style, he showed me the town and we went to a Motown Show and had dinner. Keeping Lee, his sisters, family and friends in my prayers.

- Barbara Jones, Baltimore, MD

What a great loss for our community here in Savannah! Charlie was the kindest, most considerate person you could ever meet; and what a dry and outrageous sense of humor! We will never forget that. Our heart goes out to Charlie’s family and especially to his devoted husband, Lee.

- William (Bill) Lavonis; Kurt Ollmann, Savannah, GA

Grew up with Charlie and all the Jolivettes. Still in contact. Charlie was a wonderful person. Went to same grammar school, high school and reconnected on Facebook. RIP MY FRIEND!! You will be missed!❤️

- Geri Fitzgerald Yadon, Yuba City, CA

Charlie was an original - true to himself, multi-faceted, bright, and full of heart and humor. He had that rare ability to make everyone feel special, valued, and welcome. He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to Lee and the rest of his family.

- Todd Gerken, Savannah, GA

I adored Charlie since the first time I met him in December 1985. He was a one of a kind, fun presence at every Antitrust Division party in San Francisco. I still cherish a delightful vase he gave me back then from his collection. He said every friend should have a momento to remember the friendship. Charlie was selfless, reaching out, revealing his faith and caring about me despite his own health problems. He was remarkable, loving and lots of fun. Heaven got a good one. Condolences Lee and all your family and friends. Hugs.

- Gail Taylor, Clyde Hill, WA

My heart hurts! I miss you so much!

- Karen Jolivette Stockton, Vacaville, Ca

Sending our sincere condolences to Charlie's family. We loved Charlie especially when we would see him with Lee at 10am Mass at the Cathedral. May God Bless Charlie's eternal soul and may perpetual light shine upon him.

- Nancy Cox, Garden City, GA

What joy and celebration Charlie brought to our lives. Always had a story and a wonderful smile and gave these gifts to each of us. We grew up together as young adults in San Francisco- what a show that was- he has been in our hearts for years and he will remain forever there.

- Candace Healy, Mount Vernon, WA

I miss you!

- Karen Stockton, Vacaville, Ca

Charlie was special in soo many ways. His friendship during our days living in Daly City Ca will FOREVER be in my heart

- william fore, berkeley, ca

Such a great person, always had a good word to say about everything. Will be dearly missed.

- Linda Harms, Ellabell, Ga

Update: Funeral Mass for “Charlie Jolivette” is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10:00 AM at The Cathedral Basilica of St.John the Baptist in Savannah, Ga

- Karen Jolivette Stockton, Vacaville, Cs

So sorry to hear about the passing of Charlie. He will always be remembered by me as one of the nicest men I knew. His sense of duty and humanity was second to none. Rest in peace Charlie. God speed.

- Lew Celli, Napa, CA

Our sincere condolences Lee and family. Charlie was a delight to know, always ready with a smile and a twinkle; a truly good, gentle, man with the biggest heart. He will be much missed. We send our love.

- Kate and Andy Wallington, Mill Creek, WA

Charlie you were one of a kind <3. Condolences and Deepest sympathy Lee and family.

- Darlene Maxwell , San Francisco , Ca

Charlie and I have been friends for over 15yrs and have worked together at Coming Home Hospice in San Francisco. I am truly blessed to have him as a Godfather to my daughter. A truly warm hearted person with so much compassion. This is what makes him a good nurse and loving friend. He goes way up and beyond for people. I Love you and I will miss you. Until we meet again my friend. Rest Peacefully in Heaven.❤️

- KATE CASTRO, VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA

This is such sad news. Charlie was unique; a very special soul. He brought smiles and sunshine wherever he was. Condolences to Lee and family.

- Bob Connolly , Bethany beach , Delaware

I am so sorry for this tremendous loss. Really going to miss seeing Charlie's comments on Ru's Drag pages. May he rest in perfect peace.

- Joni, San Francisco , CA

I'm glad I was able to meet my brother and love you very much. You were very excepting and I love you for that. Sorry I didn't get to spend more time with you. Gone but not forgotten. Forever in my heart

- Tracy Williams Jolivette , Sacramento , CA

A candle has been lit!

Dear Lee, I’m so sorry to hear about Charlie’s passing. My heart goes out to you and his family. I know if there is a heaven, Charlie is there hosting a party for family, friends and dogs that died before him. I used to live nearby in S.F. and think of you two often. Hugs and Condolences, Tina

- Tina, Corte Madera, CA

I am SO SORRY to hear this! I will not be able to attend the service to celebrate his life which further saddens me...but please know that my prayers and thoughts and love will be sent to you and all who loved him. What a lovely man.

- Sandy McCloud, Tybee Island, GA

I am so very sad to read this obituary. My deepest condolence to Lee & the Jolivette family. Charlie & I worked together at the Veterans Adminitration. I had so much fun working with Charlie & always brought me a bouquet of roses to make my office pretty. I loved Charlie. He was like a brother to me. I am so shocked. So happy we reconnected on FB these past few years. Rest in peace my dear Charlie.

- Venus T Rumbaoa, Vallejo, CA

I am so sad to hear of Charlie’s passing. I knew him when I worked for the VA in San Francisco. Charlie was, and has always been, a ray of sunshine; I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and amazing smile.

- Tina Kouremetis Mottram, Benicia, California

Always brought a smile to my face. He will be missed.

- Donald Callahan, Savannah, GA

I love you Charlie. Test in Peace my dear friend.Thank you for all the yard of friendship you hated with me in SanFrancisco.All my heart felt condolences to Lee.

- Harold Allen Gore, Danville, Wv.

Charlie was a wonderful care giver to my Dad when he was in hospice back in 2008 in San Francisco. I instantly became friends with him, and my kids remember him to this day. He will be sorely missed.

- Pete Alexander, Greater Seattle, WA

I am terribly sorry to hear the news about your [mother/father]. Please accept my condolences.

- Cherell Hallett, San Francisco, CA

I am sorry to hear the news about Charlie. Please accept my condolences.

- Cherell Hallett, San Francisco, CA

You and Family is in our prayers.

- Lelia Carter , Clinton , Md

Charlie was such a special person to so many including me. During my time of the loss of my partner, Steve Keller, back in 2005, he reached out to me in many ways. His hospitality was beyond belief. A heart of gold! Rest in peace, Charlie!

- Kevin Thomas , San Francisco , California

Awe I’m so sorry to learn of his passing. He was a staple in San Francisco’s Castro District. We both loved Patti Labelle. He was always in for some good gossip and laughter. Laughter was always #1 to him during our many conversations. He was a nice person. This pic is of Momma Weezy and Charlie, together they had me in stitches. Both were so funny. David Marez.

- Dave Marez, San Francisco, CA

I can hear him now..”Dang Girl..Dang Ms Thing” ……eyes laughing and dancing…I loved partying with you two, “back in the day”..sure had some fun times..Lee, my hearts aching for you..you guys grew up together and brought out the best in each other..I’ll always remember the two of you together and smile..Blessings Dear Brother..Love and Light to you and your family, Always, Sharona

- Sharona Tracy, Sebastopol, CA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200