Charlotte T. Klores

Our dear, sweet, and loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Charlotte Elaine Klores, passed away peacefully at her home in Mt Pleasant, SC, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, following a long illness.

Born in Hampton County, SC to Gadsden Wattie and Mamie Lane Tuten, Charlotte is still fondly remembered by schoolmates from Varnville High School for her sweet temperament and exceptional beauty. It was there when she discovered her love for singing and music and was a member of the high school Glee Club. She excelled as a student, and her membership in the National Beta Club was a point of pride for her parents and siblings.

Charlotte lived most of her adult years in Columbia, SC and New York City before moving to Isle of Palms, SC in 1996.

Known for her striking beauty, kindness, fun-loving sense of humor, and nurturing nature, Charlotte had a passion for beauty in all its many forms. A very modern woman, during her early years in Columbia she worked at WIS Radio and was president of the Junior League while also modeling for several of the leading women’s shops. She was well-known in the community for her incredibly complex, detailed fashion design and tailoring (her glamorous long dresses were memorable creations), and for her beauty and grace on the runway.

Married to Gregg Hitopoulos (deceased), owner and operator of Gregg’s Pharmacy on Hampton Street, Charlotte became a devoted wife and mother to her three girls. She joined the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church where she dedicated herself to voluntary work and president of Philoptochos. Known for her gifted culinary skills, she mastered Greek cuisine with her mouth-watering Greek pastries and stunning sculptured cakes which often required two days to bake and decorate.

Charlotte loved music, all music, but particularly dance music. She and Gregg were a pleasure to watch on the dance floor whether dancing the Rumba, the Cha Cha, a Tango, or the folk dances of Greece. She returned to full-time work as assistant to Dr. Sterling, Dean of Trinity Cathedral and later to Bob Royall at C&S Bank before becoming co-owner and manager of Gregg’s Economy Drugs in Five Points. After leaving Columbia, Charlotte moved to New York City where she lived for seventeen years, the fulfillment of a childhood dream. During that time, she proudly worked for Morse Diesel Construction during the erection of the Marriott Marquis, the first tallest building in Times Square.

In 1996 she retired and moved to Isle of Palms to be closer to her daughters. She enjoyed the beach, gardening, and entertaining family and friends. During the late nineties she and her late beloved companion, Bill Lauritsen, enjoyed long trips to Portugal, Greece, Australia, and Cuba.

In her later years the illness never stopped her from enjoying and being the life of the party. Her love for all people and all things of nature continued to grow deeper and deeper. She reached out to everyone, even to strangers, wanting to share the love she felt.

Charlotte was predeceased by her three brothers and their wives, G. W. Tuten, Jr. (Jeanette) of Greenville, Lee Edward Tuten (Jolene) of Belvedere, and Charles Wendell Tuten (Evelyn) of Magnolia, TX. She is survived by her daughters and two sons-in-law, all of whom adored her, and cared for her throughout her long illness - Elaine Messier (Alfie), Lisa Murray (Bob), and Tricia Hitopoulos, all of Mt. Pleasant; her dear extended family members, Lisa Fennessy (Mark) of James Island, her sister, Trish Thompson of James Island and Viet Nam, and fifteen nieces and nephews. Deserving special recognition are her dear friend of many years, Jeannie Mason of Pawley’s Island and her beloved friend and caregiver, Mrs. Hannah Young, who has the family’s eternal gratitude.

Charlotte loved her family, and her family cherished and loved her. She will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service, to be announced, will take place in July.

Please consider a memorial contribution in Charlotte’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.alz.org