Charliena Gant

Charliena Prewitt Gant "Charlie," age 92, passed away January 28, 2016 at Belle Meade. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Wallace Prewitt and Cerez Prewitt-Seneca; sister, Aileen Prewitt Bane; husband, Charles Nicholas Gant Jr.; and daughter, Charlotte Gant Poletti.

She is survived by her loving son, Charles Nicholas "Nick" Gant, III, and daughter-in-law, Tonia Gant of Paragould, and her twin sister, Edwina Prewitt Andre of Memphis, TN; son-in-law, Bert Poletti, Jr. of Arlington, TN; as well as nine grandchildren, Neal Blackwood (Taryn) of Black Mountain, NC, Leanne Poletti Murray (Mike) of Arlington, TN, Laura Poletti Oxley (Todd) of Phoenix, AZ, Christen "Chris" Poletti Sanders (Steve) of Houston, TX, Caren Poletti Williams (Tommy) of Franklin, TN, Treva Gant McLuer of Fort Oglethorpe, GA, Cerez Gant Przybylinski (Rodney) of Nashville, TN, Charles "Nick" Gant IV (Christine) of Memphis, TN, and Bethany Gant Galloway of Heber Springs, AR; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Born in Memphis, TN, Charliena lived in Tuckerman, AR, as a child but returned to Memphis and resided there for most of her remaining years. She was an identical twin and the bond with her sister, Edwina, will be carried into eternity. She was also a true Memphian, who was immensely proud of her city and its beautiful landscape and history. Charliena worked as a technical secretary at Industrial Foods Group, Kraft, Inc. for her entire career, but she was an artist at heart who spent her free time improving her artistic skills and painting many of the local landmarks with the Memphis College of Art and the Collierville Art League. She was a faithful Christian and incredibly supportive of her entire family. As a young grandmother who refused to be called Grandma, "Charlie" was actively involved in raising her grandchildren and shared with them her love for art, the city of Memphis, and nature with weekend outings. Charlie loved being with family. Even though she was not particularly fond of cooking, she loved sharing her Brunswick stew, Fourth of July cobbler, and home-made caramel and fudge during family gatherings. Her sweet smile and distinct laugh will be missed by all who loved her.