Charmelle A. Baxter

Celebrating the Life of Charmelle Arlene Petty Baxter

August 10, 1966 – August 15, 2026

Charmelle Arlene Petty Baxter was born on August 10, 1966, in Albany, New York, to Evangelist Betty Petty and the late Decon Charles C. Petty. She possessed a vibrant spirit, creative heart, strong faith, and deep love for family that remained at the center of her life.

Charmelle was educated in the Albany City School District and proudly graduated from Albany High School in 1984. She continued her education through coursework at Niagara University and Niagara County Community College.

Charmelle found great purpose in serving and caring for others. During her years in Niagara Falls, she treasured her work with the Niagara Falls City School District, particularly at the Center for Young Parents, and also worked for the New York Power Authority. Her passion for service extended into the community, where she frequently volunteered and supported shelters and organizations serving women and children.

Creativity was one of Charmelle’s greatest gifts. Through Charmelle’s Special Favors, she shared her talents in event planning, floral arrangements, decorating, and creating beautiful celebrations. She had an extraordinary eye for detail and believed things should be done beautifully and with intention.

Charmelle was a woman of strong faith who loved God deeply. During her years in Niagara Falls, she worshiped and served at True Deliverance Temple and later at The Potter’s House Christian Church. After returning to Albany in 2015, she continued her faith journey at New Jerusalem Home of the Saved Church. Her faith remained a source of strength, comfort, and perseverance throughout her life.

At the heart of Charmelle’s world was her family. She was the loving mother of Chrisheena A. Hill, Marcus J. Baxter, and Monique’e B. Cook, whom she raised and loved as her own, and the proud grandmother of Christian Davis Hill, her only grandchild, whom she affectionately called “my heart.”

Charmelle loved family, friendship, fellowship, laughter, and bringing people together. She was selfless and generous, appreciated order and intention, and believed in choosing peace over unnecessary conflict. She enjoyed science-fiction television and was especially known for her candied yams and macaroni and cheese.

For more than two decades, Charmelle faced significant health challenges with tremendous strength, perseverance, and faith. Although her journey was often difficult, illness never defined the fullness of who she was. She remained a devoted mother and grandmother, loving daughter and sister, loyal friend, woman of faith, and creative spirit.

Charmelle also shared a special bond with the Fields-Hill family, a connection formed through her daughter Chrisheena that grew into a genuine family.

On August 15, 2026, just five days after celebrating her 60th birthday, Charmelle peacefully completed her earthly journey, surrounded by love.

Charmelle was preceded in death by her father, Charles C. Petty, and her siblings Charlotte, Dwight, and Dwayne.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Evangelist Betty Petty; her children, Chrisheena A. Hill, Marcus J. Baxter, and Monique’e B. Cook; her beloved grandson, Christian Davis Hill; her siblings, Charlene Petty, Jeffrey Petty, Carla Petty Miller, Christopher Petty, Greg Slaughter (Leah), Darryl Slaughter, Markieve Slaughter, and Shawn Slaughter; a host of aunts and uncles; nieces, nephews and cousins; the Fields-Hill and Baxter families; lifelong friends; church family; and a host of other loved ones whose lives she touched.

Charmelle’s family takes comfort in knowing that after a long journey of illness, she is no longer in pain or suffering. The love, faith, creativity, traditions, and memories she leaves behind will continue through all who knew and loved her.

Her life was a gift. Her love was a blessing. Her memory will remain in our hearts forever.

Acknowledgments

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center; Buffalo General Medical Center, Dr. Butsch; Albany Medical Center; St. Peter’s Hospital; St. Peter’s Hospice Inn; Dr. Olendorf and Staff; Dr. Hykin and Staff; and the many physicians, nurses, caregivers, and medical professionals who cared for Charmelle throughout her journey.

We are equally grateful to the family and friends who went above and beyond with their prayers, presence, encouragement, and support, and we extend a special thank you to New Jerusalem Home of the Saved Church for its tremendous love and unwavering support.

While we cannot individually name every person who made a meaningful impact on Charmelle’s life, please know that we see you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for all the prayers and acts of kindness.

A visitation will be held on Thursday August 27th from 4pm-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd Colonie NY. A funeral service will follow on Friday August 28th at Agape Apostolic Church of Deliverance 1010 Madison Ave, Troy, NY 12180 with a viewing from 10am-11am and service beginning at 11am. 

Interment following in Graceland Cemetery.