Charlotte W (Williams) Deaney

Charlotte W. Deaney (nee Williams) formerly of Medford, NJ recently of Lady Lake, FL was called home surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Although she would tell you she is from South Carolina…not Jersey.) She was 82 years of age. Charlotte was born in Union, SC to Azilee (nee Price) and Rascellous Lee Williams.

She leaves behind two children Jeffrey (Jill) Deaney of Wilmington, NC and Alicia (Jason) Rennie of Medford, NJ, brother John Lee Williams (Peggy), five grandchildren Michael, Scott, Abby, Grace and Jackson, an extensive collection of books, sunglasses, readers, holiday themed sweaters and packets of condiments…and a loads of other “stuff” for her daughter and son who have no idea what to do with.

Following high school, she was the first in her family to attend college and earned a teaching degree in History from Winthrop College in SC. During her senior year in 1964 she and her roommates went on spring break to Florida and on a whim applied for teaching positions.  To their surprise they all received jobs, found an apartment together and headed south upon graduation. She loved teaching school in Satellite Beach, living with her college friends and working at Cape Canaveral in the summers where she had the opportunity to meet many of the Apollo Mission astronauts.  When she moved to NJ she taught elementary school in Medford and then went back to school at Glassboro State to gain her masters to become a media specialist.  She continued her career as a school librarian in Medford sharing her love of books until retirement.

She was a master baker and chef in the kitchen. She believed in the four main food groups: heavy cream, bacon fat, butter and whipped cream. Give her a frying pan or a trifle dish and you would walk away with a full belly. Some fan favorites were fried chicken, Oakwood Lakes coffee cake, bran muffins, deviled eggs, strawberry pretzel salad and death by chocolate. 

Charlotte had a life-long love affair with hot dogs, lemon meringue pie and sweet tea. She loved running errands, going to lunch, traveling, shopping and spoiling her grandchildren. She didn’t do anything without a book in her hand!

Charlotte was known for not holding back her opinion and a knack for telling it like it is. She always told you the truth even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Her sarcastic humor entertained everyone that knew her even at the end. When Alicia asked her to tell her “something that she had never told her before.” Charlotte responded with a straight face and told Alicia she was adopted. You could hear her cackling down the hallway!

With that said she was genuine to a fault, a gentle soul at heart and yet she sugar coated nothing. Her sarcasm and witty comments made her a hit at the rehab, nursing home, assisted living and memory care (It’s been a long 19 months). Her extensive collection of southern phrases were unique and one of a kind. “Pickle Boat’s leaving!” “Hotter than Therlo’s soup!”

Her words of encouragement, wisdom, and sometimes comfort, kept us in line, taught us the “school of hard knocks” and gave us something to pass down to our children.

Everyone always knew where you stood with her. She liked you or she didn’t, it was black or white.  

Following her practical wishes, no services will take place. She said, “Don’t cry over me…go on vacation instead.” We appreciate your love and support during this time. In memory of Charlotte we ask that donations be made to Samaritan - Hospice in South NJ. Their team of compassionate and caring professionals shared their love and support for our entire family ensuring that Charlotte’s transition was peaceful for all of us. 

As Charlotte would always say as you left the room or at the end of every conversation, “Be good”.

Arrangements under the direction of the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055.

(www.BradleyStow.com)

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