Dr Charlotte Richmond

It is with great sadness that we announce our mother Dr. Charlotte Ann Richmond passed away at the age of 69 on February 26th, 2023.  She was born on September 27th, 1953, to Stuart Lee “Bud” Sawyer and Flora Elsie “Betty” Sawyer.  Charlotte lived in many places including Fresno, CA, San Antonio, TX, Miami Beach, FL and then her final resting place of Frazier Park, CA.  She was a beloved nurse and medical researcher.  Anyone that knew her well, knew her love of the color green, frogs and her grandchildren.       

Charlotte is survived by her daughter’s Michele Ripley of Parker, CO and Denise Young (Patrick), Frazier Park, CA; her son Darren Richmond, Miami Beach, FL.  She is also survived by her grandchildren (who affectionately called her Froggie Grandma) Alyssa Brewer, Riley Triggs, Nicholas Young, Morgan Young, Decker Shoemaker and one great grandchild, Avery Holder.  She was also survived by her brother Dr Greggory Sawyer (Mary Ann) and sister Charlene Callahan (Brian), her nieces Melanie and Tiffany, and nephews Matt and Kevin.

Charlotte received her baccalaureate and master’s degree in nursing from California State University, Fresno.  She earned her PhD from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.  After achieving her doctorate, she moved to Miami Beach and founded the Biomedical Research & Education Foundation.  

Charlotte later joined PPD in 2011 and climbed her way up to Associate Director CTM People Manager in the Infectious and Respiratory Disease Therapeutic Unit.  Charlotte was passionate about clinical research.  She was always developing, coaching and mentoring others.  Charlotte’s integral involvement with a client partner, people with HIV will now benefit from a new class of antivirals.  Her efforts will continue to make an impact on people’s lives.

Charlotte said of all the places she lived, Frazier Park was her favorite because of the wonderful community.  She eagerly volunteered her time to help at the American Red Cross of Kern County.  However, her true passion was being the leader of the Mountain Communities CERT team (Community Emergency Response Team).  The Cert team has been raising money to make much needed improvements to be prepared for catastrophic events that could cut Frazier Park off from outside assistance.  

A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place at 3pm on March 25th at Cuddy Hall, 335 Lakewood Pl, Frazier Park, CA 93225. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MOC- Cert team to continue to carry out the plans Charlotte started to keep our Mountain Community safe.