Charlotte Guttery, age 85, of Miramar Beach, Florida passed away on Monday, August 28, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on March 23, 1938 to Lester and Lillie Bowen in Savannah, Georgia, and moved to Orlando, Florida shortly thereafter as the second of four girls in their family. She grew up among the orange groves and crystal-clear lakes that Orlando knew at the time.

Charlotte attended Boone High School in Orlando and completed her formal education at Bellevue College in Bellevue, Nebraska. Charlotte was an award-winning hair stylist and model when she met her future husband, a career Naval officer, through mutual friends in Orlando in 1958. A year later, they were married at First Baptist Church of Orlando and the adventure began. With Tom and her growing family, she lived in numerous locations including Sanford, Florida; Orange Park, Florida, Norfolk, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Charleston, South Carolina; Subic Bay, Philippines; Bellevue, Nebraska; New Orleans, Louisiana; and retired to Miramar Beach, Florida in 1994.

Charlotte was a natural leader and wherever they moved as a Navy family she jumped in with church and community affairs. While in Charleston, South Carolina, Charlotte taught children's Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. When there was no space for her girls in any Girl Scout troops in Northern Virginia, she took it upon herself to volunteer and establish a new troop. She was also a charter member and co-founder of the Junior Women's Club of Northern Virginia. She was highly commended for coordinating the U.S. Bicentennial celebration dinner at the U.S. Navy base, Subic Bay, Philippines, in 1976. Charlotte was also an active golfer, winning a "gold tee" and participating in women's leagues in the Philippines and Nebraska. While in Nebraska, she received her certificate as an Admiral of the Nebraska Navy, which is the state's highest civic honor conferred, signed, and sealed by the Governor.

When her husband retired from the Navy after 30 years of service in New Orleans, Louisiana, Charlotte became the office manager for a large multi-therapy company for over a decade before moving to their permanent retirement home in Miramar Beach in 1994. While living in the area, she was a founding member of the guild at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital. Charlotte was among the first volunteers at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital where she gave of her time and talents for more than ten years. She also taught a women's water aerobics class at the Hilton Sandestin Resort for several years. Charlotte and her husband Tom are members of the Point Washington United Methodist Church where she also taught Vacation Bible School. Living near the beach, Charlotte was also a talented watercolor artist inspired by its beauty and peacefulness.

Charlotte is survived by her husband Tom of 63 years; daughter and son-in-law Virginia and Tom Sayor of Larkspur, CO; daughter Susan Benton of Grayton Beach, FL; granddaughter and husband Caroline and Joiner Pugh of Tuscaloosa, AL; great-grandson Thomas Joiner Pugh; great grand-daughter Charlotte Evelyn Pugh; grandson and wife Reed and Hope Coker of Crestview, FL; and sister and brother-in-law Shearon and Terry Jones of Eustis, FL.

Charlotte was always enthusiastic and positive. She enhanced every place she went with creativity, love, and light. She cherished her family, was truly loved, and is missed by those whose lives she touched.

Charlotte's family would like to acknowledge and thank the tireless team at Emerald Coast Hospice who compassionately supported her end-of-life care with dedication and concern.

Funeral services for Charlotte will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 1, 2023 at Point Washington United Methodist Church; 1290 North County Hwy 395, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.

Charlotte will be interred at the Historic Gulf Cemetery with a reception immediately following her burial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.