Charlotte Nann Blackford Behrens

Charlotte Nann Blackford Behrens, 91 of Cape Girardeau, passed away July 15, 2015 in Cape Girardeau. Charlotte was born Aug 29, 1923 at the family home in Cape Girardeau to Viola Masterson Blackford Smith & George Washington Blackford. Charlotte attended Franklin School, graduated from Cape Central H.S. in 1941 and graduated from SEMO University in 1945 with a Bachelor of Science in Art and History. Charlotte maintained lifelong friendships with schoolmates from Franklin School, Cape Central and SEMO. While at SEMO she joined the 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 worked at Anheuser Busch as a receptionist, 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 US Navy, on an assembly line until spring break in 1945, when she went back to SEMO 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. On February 19, 1949 Charlotte and Jack were married in Cape Girardeau. Thus began a wonderful 64 year marriage and family life for Jack and Char. They lived in Webster Groves 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 and one bridge club started in 1952 is still playing today in St. Louis. Jack & 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 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 yardwork. 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 & Jack spent many years traveling the US by car to visit friends and family and places they were interested in seeing. Winters in Florida and walking along the beach were always enjoyed. Charlotte Behrens is survived by her sister, Marjorie Cord, Rohnert Park, CA; brother-in-law Richard P (Dick) Behrens, Melbourne, FL; son Richard Spann Behrens and wife Debbie, Saginaw, TX, daughter Barbara Ann Chatron and husband Mike, Round Rock, TX, grandchildren Megan Mason (Jimmy), Anne Miller (Mike), Lance Waddill, Angie Uptmore (James), 5 great-grandchildren: Hallie, Jordan & Erin Lott, Evelyn & Harrison Uptmore. Nephews Chris Cord, Richard Behrens, John Behrens & Robert Behrens will greatly miss her. Charlotte’s dear friends George & 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. Mrs. Behrens’ Chateau Girardeau family of friends and the excellent staff were a tremendous support during her residency and illness. Visitation will be Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. until noon at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

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Charlotte Nann Blackford Behrens

August 29, 1923 - July 15, 2015