Irina O. Barton
I was one of those immigrants who was lucky to meet and be taught by Mrs. Charlotte Dragstedt Jeffrey at the 1st Baptist church of Gainesville. And, as it was well said by others, she not only taught English, she touched many hearts of her students. I was one of many often invited to her home and becomingfriends with sweet Charlotte. She had a special sense of scanning people inside out, reading their true nature and even their situations. She helped many with not only feeling welcomed in this country, but also with getting financial knowledge of simple day-to-day life, which we all were clueless at the beginning of our journeys. And she even didn't stop there. She would come up with simple tasks, claiming that she needs help, to help financially those who struggled. Unfortunately, with life demands, I lost touch with Charlotte a few last years. But I do and will always admire her big heart, kindness and intelligence, her emotional support and willingness to help. Thank you, Mrs. Charlotte for all you did for me.


