Annie Mae Charles was born on December 22, 1928 to the union of Florence and Smith Rice in Dells, Arkansas. Mrs. Charles preferred to be called Annie or Ann. But many who loved her would often affectionately call her Ms. Ann. Prior to leaving Dells to join her parents and siblings in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Annie owned and operated Annie's Café, specializing in traditional soul food. She was a superb cook. People from the north to the south would rave about her signature seafood gumbo and hot water cornbread. Her caramel cakes were also a sensation. Annie retired from Food Service at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Benton Harbor, Michigan. She had a strong work ethic, and would later recall with pride that she was never late or missed a day of work during her tenure at the hospital. She would share these same values with her children and grandchildren whenever she got the opportunity. Annie loved her family and looked forward to the annual Rice Family Reunions. But her greatest joy was when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, which was often. On May 13, 1996, Annie was joined in holy matrimony to Willie (Will) Charles in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Annie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a sterling example of Christian values. She was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church and later became a member of River of Life in Benton Harbor, Michigan where both her son, Elder Marvin Martin and grandson, Pastor Marcus Martin preside. Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Smith Rice, spouse, Will, children, Curtis, Marilyn and Bobby, and siblings, Smith, Charlie, Junior, Eugene and Tim and Florine. Mrs. Annie Mae Charles, went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. She leaves to cherish her memory four sons: Elder Marvin Martin (Rosia), Allen Evans (Mary), Amos Evans and Edward Jones Evans, one daughter, Claretta Miller (Melvin); brothers, Billy Hartz (Ruthie) and David Thomas (Flora) and a sister, Barbara McWilliams and sister-in-law Wan Jean Bell; grandsons, Carlos (Terika), Mark, Edward (Melissa), Emanuel, Marvin Jr., Marquan, Marcus, Bryan, Javonta, Curtis (Latoya), granddaughters: Carleya, Carlah'ja, Kanice, Camille, Annie (Orlando), Vanett (Kevin), Sonja, Nacoya, Effy, and Lisa and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Mrs. Charles will lie in repose, Friday, July 24, 3-6pm at the Riley Funeral Home 426 West St. Joseph Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 25, 1pm at the Christian Celebration Church, 3000 West Miller Road, Lansing, MI 48911. The family will receive visitors 30 minutes before services begin. Memories and condolences can be shared at rileyfuneralhome.com.