In loving memory of
Charlotte Rafferty

• February 08, 1943
• -
• June 06, 2025

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Charlotte (Char) Raye Prindle Rafferty (1943-2025) died peacefully on Friday June 6, 2025, in Ocala, FL. She was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, and was the daughter of the late J .C. and Mary Prindle. She is preceded in death by her son, Byron Rafferty, three sisters, Dorothy Fulkerson, Betty Anderson, Martha Goetz, and her brother, James Prindle. She leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Everett Rafferty, and a daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Jeffrey Cooner, of Fort Myers, Florida. She also leaves her grandchildren, Austin Cooner (Denver, Colorado), Christopher Rafferty (Nome, Alaska), Olivia Cooner (Portland,Oregon), and six great-grandchildren.

Char graduated from Daviess County High School and received her BS in Music from Oakland City University. She also studied at East Tennessee State University and Brescia University before receiving her MS in Education at University of South Florida.

Char worked in public education her entire career, serving as a classroom teacher in Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. She then was appointed assistant principal at San Carlos Elementary School, and principal at both Alva Elementary School, and Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School (Lee County, Florida). She completed her career working in administration for the Lee County School District.

Her love of music led her to volunteer as church pianist and organist, and director of vocal and handbell choirs for youth and adults. She was an enthusiastic member of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, and she was instrumental in supporting the arts in Southwest Florida. She led an active lifestyle, being a tennis enthusiast and running in 5k community races.

After retiring, she made Ocala, Florida, and Marshall, North Carolina, her home. She loved being “Meemo” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Char was incredibly social throughout her life. She loved to be with her friends, traveling and playing Mah Jongg. Her laughter was contagious, and her presence lit up any room she entered.

Char will be cremated according to her wishes. A celebration of Life service will be held in Fort Myers, Florida; details to be announced.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor. (Donations may be sent to 501 St. Jude’sPlace, Memphis, TN 38105)