Charlotte Arrendell

Charlotte Elizabeth Crawford Arrendell, (96), passed away in Black Mountain, NC, the town of her ancestors, on October 1, 2020. Born to Lurline Brown Crawford and GC Crawford April 25, 1924, Charlotte attended 12 different schools from New Hampshire to Hawaii “without ever being kicked out of one,” as her father was transferred to different Navy assignments. Charlotte graduated from WMI High School in New London, CT in 1941 and St. Mary’s Jr. College in Raleigh, NC in 1944.

Charlotte and her late husband, CW Arrendell, Jr., were married April 17, 1948 at the original St. James Episcopal Church on Vance Ave. Although they lived in Ponca City, OK, New Orleans, LA, and Charlotte, NC, they visited family in Black Mountain as often as possible. Charlotte’s father GC Crawford, who retired from the US Navy as a Rear Admiral, had grown up in Black Mountain. Charlotte’s paternal grandmother Callie Crawford ran a boarding house on Montreat Road at the turn of the century and her “Aunt La’, Claudia McGraw, operated a tea house in the building currently occupied by the Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce and later sold aprons from her home in the building currently occupied by the Bistro Restaurant. Black Mountain was home to family and, when she and CW retired, they moved to Black Mountain. Charlotte had been an active member of St James since 1981.

While they lived in Charlotte, NC, she was active in the Girl Scouts, the Mecklenburg County Medical Auxiliary and the Charlotte Symphony’s Women’s Association where she helped develop a program which brought Mecklenburg County school children to Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performances.  She helped needlepoint seat covers for the Governor’s Mansion in Raleigh and the kneelers at St James Church.  She was a dedicated quilter and a prolific knitter of sweaters for her grandchildren and, then, of hats for the homeless.

Charlotte is survived by her daughters, Amy Arrendell, of Asheville, and Susan Arrendell (Edwin F. Harris), of Raleigh, and her grandchildren, Louis Munroe (Marina Michahelles) of Barrytown, NY, Wheeler Munroe Waldeck (Michael) of Warrensville, NC, Alexander Harris of Brooklyn, NY, and Edwin Harris of Queens, NY. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years C.W. Arrendell Jr and their son John C. Arrendell.

Charlotte offered love in action to all who knew her and will be remembered for these enduring themes of her life and her devotion to family.

A celebration of life will be held after coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Memorial contributions may be made to St James Episcopal Church, Black Mountain, NC.  Asheville Mortuary Services, Asheville, NC, is attending.

On line condolences may be shared at www.ashevillemortuaryservices.com.

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