Charlotte Behrens

Charlotte Nann Blackford Behrens, 91, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 29, 1923, at the family home in Cape Girardeau to George Washington Blackford and Viola Masterson Blackford Smith.

Charlotte attended Franklin School, graduated from Central High School in 1941 and received a bachelor of science in art and history from Southeast Missouri State University in 1945.

She maintained lifelong friendships with schoolmates from Franklin, Central and Southeast. While at the university, she joined CLIOs (precursor to Tri-Delta sorority) and thoroughly enjoyed all the activities and friendships from the society.

Charlotte moved to St. Louis in 1943 to work. She was a receptionist at Anheuser-Busch, though the job ended when she wanted to go home for Christmas and AB did not want to let her off, so she quit. She then worked at McQuay Norris, a bomb component manufacturer for the U.S. Navy, on an assembly line until spring break in 1945, when she went back to Southeast to finish her degree.

After graduation, Charlotte took a teaching position in Lawrenceville, Illinois, then moved to Chicago to work at the Hilton Hotel. In 1947, she took a teaching position in Ferguson High School in Missouri. While in St. Louis, she and Jack Behrens, the love of her life, began dating. Charlotte and Jack were married Feb. 19, 1949, in Cape Girardeau. Thus began a wonderful 64-year marriage and family life for Jack and Char.

They lived in Webster Groves, Missouri, until 1975, when they moved back to Cape Girardeau to enjoy life back home with dear friends and family.

Charlotte enjoyed playing bridge all her life. She was a part of several bridge clubs in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, and a club started in 1952 is still playing today in St. Louis.

Jack and Char also enjoyed a regular event called Supper Club with friends while living in St. Louis. This group, made up of couples with a connection to Cape Girardeau, met monthly to enjoy a meal out "without children." Over the years, this group also held many family events that were enjoyed by all, with lots of great memories.

Charlotte had a lifelong interest in art and design, antiquing and refinishing furniture and yard work. No dandelion was safe in her yard! She had an eye for bargains at junk stores that would be turned into a beautiful piece of furniture. Char and Jack spent many years traveling the U.S. by car to visit friends and family and places they were interested in seeing. Winters in Florida and walking along the beach always were enjoyed.

Survivors include a sister, Marjorie Cord of Rohnert Park, California; a brother-in-law, Richard P. "Dick" Behrens of Melbourne, Florida; a son, Richard Spann Behrens and wife Debbie of Saginaw, Texas; a daughter, Barbara Ann Chatron and husband Mike of Round Rock, Texas; four grandchildren, Megan Mason (Jimmy), Anne Miller (Mike), Lance Waddill and Angie Uptmore (James); and five great-grandchildren, Hallie, Jordan and Erin Lott and Evelyn and Harrison Uptmore. Nephews Chris Cord, Richard Behrens, John Behrens and Robert Behrens will greatly miss her.

Charlotte's dear friends, George and Rita Counts and Jack Lamkin, have provided loving care and friendship throughout the years.

Her beloved husband, Jack, and granddaughter, Katelyn Spann Chatron, preceded her in death.

Charlotte's Chateau Girardeau family of friends and the excellent staff were a tremendous support during her residency and illness.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at noon Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.