Charlotte passed away peacefully in Winter Park, FL on June 6, 2019.
Charlotte Battle was born in Talbotton, GA in 1931. Her parents passed away before she finished high school, so Charlotte moved to Clearwater, FL to live with her Aunt Lottie until she went off to college - Wesleyan College in Macon, GA.
After graduating magna cum laude with a BA in Art History, Charlotte enrolled in graduate studies at the University of Southern California and New York University. She then moved to Louisville, KY, becoming one of the first female producers hired by a local television station.
It was in Louisville that Charlotte met Jack Everbach, whom she married in 1956. The young couple moved to Florida soon after their daughter Geri’s birth, and by 1962 they had settled in Winter Park. Jack pursued a career in radio broadcasting. Charlotte studied for and passed a rigorous exam to become a proud member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). She had a long and distinguished career as an associate of Warren G. Arnett, Interiors. Her talents were showcased across Central Florida in residential and commercial projects.
In 1977, Charlotte learned about what would become Atlantic Center for the Arts, in New Smyrna Beach. She embraced its vision of providing artists of all disciplines a supportive and creative environment. Charlotte became a founding trustee and tireless supporter for 39 years. As the consummate fundraiser, which she called friend-raising, Charlotte developed an impressive group of friends and supporters for Atlantic Center for the Arts. In 2009, Atlantic Center celebrated Charlotte’s exceptional service with the prestigious Spirit Enrichment Award.
Charlotte’s commitment to improving her community extended to other organizations as well. She volunteered with the Orlando Museum of Art, and she served on its Acquisition Committee and Board of Trustees. In 1981, the Women’s Executive Council named Charlotte as their Outstanding Woman of the Year in the Arts. She worked with the Friends Committee of the Cornell Museum of Rollins College and served on the Acquisition Committee of the Orlando International Airport during expansion of its extensive art collection. Charlotte was honored in 2012 by her beloved alma mater, Wesleyan College, with a Distinguished Service to the Community award. She served on the church vestry and a variety of committees for many years at the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Always the quintessential “people person”, Charlotte was treasured by her family and many friends. She frequently remarked how thankful she was for her wonderful life - filled with family, friends, art, travel and service. Her positive spirit was legendary.
Charlotte’s husband of 46 years, Jack, died in 2002. She is survived by her daughter Geri Rybacki, son-in-law Peter Rybacki, grandchildren John Rybacki and Kendall Rybacki and great grandchildren Blake Rybacki and Isabella Crittendon. She will be laid to rest beside her husband Jack at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, KY.
A Celebration of Charlotte’s Life will be planned by family and friends for a later date in Florida.
In lieu of flowers, Charlotte’s legacy can be honored through gifts to Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1414 Art Center Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 or online at atlanticcenterforthearts.org ; or to Church of the Good Shepherd, 331 Lake Ave, Maitland, FL 32751.
Charlotte’s family invites you to share fond memories and photos by clicking on “Add A Memory”, below.
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