Charlotte M. Edwards

Newport, RI ? Charlotte M. Brown Edwards, 84, of 116 Girard Avenue, Newport, RI, died Thursday, December 6, 2007 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. Born in Newport, RI on November 25, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin F. and Charlotte Richards Brown.In her work as a realtor, she would joke that over the years she had been involved in the purchase, sale and rental of every property in Newport. This was close to being true. Charlotte was known to everyone in the community as a compassionate resource for those who needed housing and she helped everyone who asked regardless of their status or station. Her efforts to help people with their housing needs led her to Church Community Housing where she served as Board member for 23 years and was President for three years. Over those 23 years Charlotte became the heart and soul of the organization, she never missed a meeting and represented the organization at over 100 real estate transactions. Charlotte would joke that someday when folks look back at the transfer of deeds they will wonder ?who was this Charlotte M. Edwards? She must have been a very rich and powerful woman?. Then she would laugh and laugh and laugh! And now we can all laugh along with her knowing that she truly was a very rich and powerful woman indeed. Rich with the love of her family and many dear friends. Powerful in the hearts and minds of all whom once knew and will forever remember her. She was a member since 1984 and past President of Church Community Housing Corporation, President of the Mumford Housing Corporation, Vice President of the Harbor House Housing Corporation, Vice President and founding member of Star of Sea Corporation, Vice President of Freedom Housing Corporation, Vice President of West House Housing Corporation, Vice President of VN Housing Corporation and Vice President of Pemberton Housing Corporation.She is survived by her daughter Charlene Brown of Newport, RI, her brothers Edward J. Brown of Palm Beach, CA, and John E. Brown of Kingston, NY, her sisters Sarah Guerrero of Guam, Corinne Wheaton of Staten Island, NY and Janet Dyer of Hartman, AK, her granddaughter Amanda Strahan of Newport, RI, her honorary great grand child and faithful companion Jet and many nieces and nephews.She was the sister of the late Benjamin Brown, Thomas Brown, and Camilla Brown Her funeral will be held on Monday, December 10, 2007, at 11:00 am in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Burial will be private.Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 10, 2007, from 9-11am in the funeral home. Flowers are welcomed or Donations in her memory may be made to the Woman to Woman, 1341 West Main Road, Unit 5, Middletown, RI 02842.