Charlene Reed Garraway

James & Sikes Funeral Home Pinecrest Memorial Gardens Marianna, Florida Charlene Reed Garraway passed away on January 2, 2014, after a brief battle with cancer. Charlene was the daughter of the late Charles Reed and Julia McCaskill Garraway and the granddaughter of J.J. and Evelyn "Eva" McCaskill, all of Marianna, FL. She is survived by sisters: Julia Elizabeth "Beth" Garraway, Annapolis, MD, Mary Evalyn "Meg" Brown, West Palm Beach FL, and Catherine McCaskill Crossley (Thomas), Roswell, GA; Niece, Jennifer Poindexter (Bradley -- Caroline, William, Tanner of Richmond, VA; Nephews: Robert Brown (Mavis -- Kaitlyn, Amanda and Elyse) Lake Worth, FL, and Reed Higgins of Washington, DC; Aunt, Mary Emily Feduccia, Niceville, FL; First Cousins: Macky McCaskill Gortemoller, Marianna, FL, -- Michelle Gortemoller, Ashley Briggs (Andy), Dexter Gortemoller (Leslie); Alan Feduccia (Olivia), Durham, NC, and Gary Feduccia (Jan), Niceville; Charlene was a graduate of Marianna High School and was Miss Marianna, 1963. A graduate of The Florida State University in Constructive Design, and an avid FSU fan, she loved to entertain friends with her special blue crabs during all FSU games. Charlene would light up any room and captivate others with her smile, charm, and laughter. She enjoyed family gatherings and international travel with her colleagues and sisters. She encouraged her nieces and nephews in creative endeavors and celebrated all their accomplishments. Charlene celebrated life to the fullest and taught others to live in the moment. Her passion was art, theater, and dance. She touched many people with her warmth and kindness, and loved all creatures, especially her beloved golden retriever, "JJ." She entered the hospitality industry with the opening of Walt Disney World. She held positions as director of sales, events, convention and catering management at various hotels, including the Sheraton Twin Towers and Marriott in Orlando. She was executive vice president and owner of Bayway Travel, St Petersburg. She was founder and past president, Orlando Area Meeting Professionals International (MPI), past president and one of the founders of the Tampa Bay Area MPI, and on the International Board of Directors. She received numerous citations and awards for outstanding service and was included in Who's Who of Young American Women. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to a scholarship fund established in Charlene's name or a charity of your choice. Donations may be sent to: Tampa Chapter MPI, 352 NE 3rd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL, 33444. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Marianna, FL, on Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 PM (CST), with Rev. Ted Land officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends at the church at 1:00 PM.