Rochelle Jean Hisey Utsman of Charlotte, NC, age 84, returned to God’s blessed Heaven early morning, January 20, 2023. God smiled when He received her home. Rochelle was a gift from God on October 21, 1938 to the late Louise (Smith) and Lea John Hisey in Johnson City, TN.

Rochelle met the love of her life, Robert B.Utsman while in high school and they were married August 29, 1957.

A memorial service for Rochelle will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5201 Sharon Road, Charlotte, 28210 at 2 p.m. Ron Nelson officiating.

Remaining to cherish her memory forever are her husband ; her daughter Diane Michele Utsman Dougherty and husband Ron; daughter Dawn Yvette Utsman Carmichael; 3 grandchildren: Candice Michele Dougherty Sherman, husband Robert Jacob (Jake); Rebecca Grace and Benjamin Paul Carmichael; 4 great-grandchildren: Isabel Grace, Lily Faith, Eden Elizabeth, and Robert Maverick Sherman; and Rochelle’s sister Dorene Hisey Palermo and brother-in-law, Francis (Chick) Palermo.

While nothing can ever replace the beauty and joy and love that Rochelle brought to us, please join us to pause a few moments to celebrate her life.

A life-long Presbyterian, was active in Sunday School, Girl Scouts, and enjoyed watching sports, particularly basketball. She was an outstanding scholar, recognized as the top scholar at the 9th Grade Honor Banquet and was awarded the Latin Scholar Award in high school.

After taking a year in college to equip herself with business skills, she and Bob were married in 1957. They moved to Atlanta where she worked for Retail Credit Company and Coca Cola while Bob went to Georgia Tech. Their two daughters were born in Houston, Texas and they finally settled in the Charlotte area to raise their family.

As their daughters became older, Rochelle and Bob entered a new era -- one where travel became a priority. Beginning in the early 1980’s Rochelle and Bob began to explore Europe. France became Rochelle’s favorite country and they celebrated their 50th anniversary there. Rochelle loved skiing in Colorado and Utah and camping in state and national parks. Always together Rochelle and Bob enjoyed the breathtaking beauty of nature everywhere they went.

Peace, quiet, beauty, tranquility. May Rochelle continue to enjoy these for the rest of eternity. Thanks be to God for her life.