Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan Obituary in Opelika at Harris Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan

Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, left to join her Savior on October 11th at home after suffering with Primary Progressive Aphasia for twelve years. Charlotte was known by her love, her whistle, and her bun. Child of God, daughter, sister, wife, Mommie, and Grandmama were some of her most important titles throughout her life. Maybe you saw Charlotte when she was climbing trees and sounding the call of the neighborhood kids or hosting the garden club with china, silver, and crystal. Perhaps she was buzzing around in her VW convertible delivering meals on wheels or leading the girl scouts in Christmas carols at the nursing home. Did you see her knocking the snot out of a softball or singing songs of God’s goodness over her grandbabies? You might recall her seeing the purpose in discarded items on the curb or gawking over beautiful architecture around the globe. Many witnessed her running a tight family budget with bargains and discounts or lavishly giving out of her generous heart. Maybe you witnessed her fearless approach to animals, water skiing, traveling the world, riding a motorbike, hot air balloon rides, fast cars, new cuisine, potential friends, or her nurturing, patient touch with plants, children, and those in need.

Charlotte loved well. She loved people, plants, animals, art, and Jesus. Charlotte was a perfect companion to Bobby, always helping him in every way physically and spiritually. She was an excellent mother and sibling. Part of her love of people includes her years as a successful coordinator for high school foreign exchange students, placing about 100 in loving homes in Alabama per year, as well as personally hosting 15 international students who became USA Brennan children forever. Charlotte loved everything God created such as all of nature, the plants and the creatures. Even though she was once bitten by a venomous snake in her garden, she did not let fear stop her from reaching down and picking up other snakes. The call, “Can I get a volunteer?”, rarely went unanswered as she helped with VBS, coordinated Church Bazaars, hosted youth Bible studies, saved lives through blood donations, led water aerobics, participated in clinical brain studies, and more.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Carrol Smith and Betty Smith. She is survived by her husband Robert G Brennan of Auburn after 58 years of marriage; her daughters Patricia Brennan Stevenson (John), and Shannan Brennan Wyatt (Don); siblings Linda Smith Finney, Pamela Smith Merritt and Neal Smith (Pam); Grandchildren Sarah Stevenson Williford (Carson), Emily Stevenson, Andrew Stevenson (Emma), Caroline Wyatt, and Abigail Wyatt, as well as sisters and brothers-in-love, Elaine, Barbara (Danny), Susan (Bob), Jimmy (Linda), Grey (Paula), Cindy (Gen), and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

International family includes Dagmar from Germany, Esther from Spain, Sevina from the Netherlands, Ximena from Guatemala, Paula from Brazil, Jeannette from Germany, Carlos from Brazil, Eduardo from Brazil, Julian from Columbia, Marian from Germany, Daniel from Brazil, Guido from Italy, Eric from France, Angela from Columbia, Fabio from Brazil

Caregiver family includes Kae, Jana, Christine, Colotta, Breanna, Katie, Bobbie, Cornetta, Shanndora, Arnita, and others.

A Celebration of Life service will be in the Auburn UMC sanctuary, 137 South Gay Street, Auburn, AL 36830, at 2:00 on Friday, October 18th with visitation at 1:00, service at 2:00, and graveside at the Town Creek Cemetery, 1150 S Gay St, Auburn, AL 36832.

Some of Charlotte's favorite charities were the Auburn Wesley Foundation, Alabama Rural Ministry, Montgomery Area Council on Aging and Auburn UMC Food Pantry.

The link for the Livestream Broadcast for Charlotte Brennan funeral service Friday starting at 1:30 is below:

https://vimeo.com/event/4658900/ffd712a320

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Brandie F Gehan sent Heavenly Grace Spray for Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan - October 17, 2024

We are sending all our love from Texas! Charlotte was one of a kind and so lucky to have known her. Brandie Flahie and Kay Flahie

Send flowers for Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan

Karen Wyatt sent Fall Fantasia for Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan - October 17, 2024

In loving memory of Charlotte Brennan. Our deepest condolences. Troy and Karen Wyatt

Sweet Tranquility Basket was sent for Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan - October 17, 2024

Takeshi Okajima sent Garden of Memories for Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan - October 16, 2024

You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace. Takeshi

Peace & Serenity Dishgarden was sent for Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan - October 16, 2024

Emerald Garden Basket was sent for Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan - October 16, 2024

5 Trees were planted in memory of Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan - October 17, 2024

Plant trees for Charlotte Ann Smith Brennan

I am very thankful for the good time I spent with Charlotte. She supported me and accompanied me so lovingly. Charlotte was a very warm hearted person. I will never forget her. Thank you that we had the chance to join the funeral. Dagmar - Exchange Student in 1987

Charlotte was the mom I had always asked for -- full of joy and loving, and ready to help. She showed me that builidig a better community, helping others, slowly changing the world not only is possible, but could be fun! She welcomed me in her family as a son. She made me a better man. Eduardo from Brazil (1999 exchange student)

Aunt Charlotte was a one of a kind joy. She lit up any room and made you feel special around her. She was always her genuine self and set such a great example for what it means to be unapologetically you. Love, Jamie

Our dear Charlotte may no longer be with us physically, however, the she shall always be embedded in my heart, thoughts and spirit. I can't remember ever being in her presence and not seeing a beautiful smile on her face. She radiated joy, peace, kindness, charm and above all a loving spirit. Charlotte never met a stranger nor did she allow you to assume that she was a stranger either. The Smith and Breenan's were definitely BLESSED to have her as apart of their families and I take this opportunity to say "Thank you" for sharing her with "us"! I shall always love you Charlotte but, I will never say goodbye. For I know where and how to find you my friend. Love forever and always, A.Denise Ross Taylor

I will always remember Charlotte as a vibrant, radiant woman, who alway had a smile on her face and a „bun" in her hair. She made my stay in the US at her home wonderful. Jeannette - exchange srudent from 1988-89

Charlotte is truly amazing. I say is because we all know she lives on...just in a much better place. I remember her wonderful talent at decorating and cooking. When she moved for texas , she saw several items she thought would look good in my home. So she told me what they were, where to buy them and then where to put them in my house. And she was right. They were perfect.
But this is nothing compared to her love for people. As my children remember, she gave the best hugs...except perhaps when you have just broken your collarbone. But that is what makes memories.

Cindy fukunaga

Heaven has gained another star. 🌟 I am profoundly grateful for sharing 35 years of love and connection with Charlotte, my beloved US mom. I loved her infectious belly laugh and how she would say "oh Bobby!".
We shared a love for animals, flowers and nature. We could wonder about the smallest gifts of nature and feel happy like children.
Countless cherished memories will echo in my heart and mind forever. ❤️
Love y'all, Sevina ~ exchange student from The Netherlands 🌎 in 1989-1990, family by heart ever since

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Harris Funeral Home, Inc. | Opelika, AL