CHARLOTTE A DURHAM CHANEY of Orlando, FL - she was the daughter of Al and Mary Durham. She grew up being a 'big sister' to her younger cousins, Marlene and Kathy, with whom she remained close to her entire life. At 17, Charlotte was at Kennywood Park with her girlfriends when a tall, dark and very handsome Navy man introduced himself and that was the beginning of Charlotte and Ed. Ed was on leave and fell immediately in love with the beautiful Charlotte. In addition to raising her four children, Charlotte always felt it was important for women to earn their own income and she instilled that into her 3 daughters. From working at her mother's plush cocktail lounge, the Silhouette Lounge in Pittsburgh, in the 1950s and 1960s, then various part-time jobs in Atlanta, Charlotte eventually found her passion in real estate after she and Ed moved to Maryland. Initially starting out at Long and Foster Real Estate, Charlotte and Ed moved to Orlando and Charlotte became one of the most successful real estate agents in all Central Florida in the 1990s. She was a force of nature in real estate and some even called her the Grand Dame of real estate in those days. She was highly respected and admired by most who knew her and worked with her. The Orlando Business Journal even wrote an article titled "The Indestructible Charlotte Chaney" detailing how she worked like a machine and all of her success as a Realtor. Charlotte helped many new Realtors get their careers off of the ground over the years with her mentorship and the opportunities she provided them.
Charlotte loved the beach, family vacations, was an avid horse racing fan and taught us all about her love of Broadway musicals. Every Sunday, Broadway show tunes played on the record player in the house. And she loved to laugh! Charlotte had a wicked sense of humor and quick wit which made her a hit with all who knew her. But mostly, Charlotte loved her family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the world to her. Her deep motherly love and generosity was a blessing to her whole family.
Preceded in death by her husband, Ed, surviving are son, Gary Chaney (Diane), Janet Chaney Appling (Patrick), Carol Chaney Wellem (Paul) and Judy Chaney Lewis; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held May 7, 2022. Published by Orlando Sentinel from April 4, 2022.