St. Mary’s Cherished Cross-Country Coach and Teacher Charlotte Zehring, 70, Leaves Enduring Legacy of Grace, Inspiration, and Literary Passion After Her Passing
Charlotte was a mentor who showed what it means to live with grace.
August 1, 2026
This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on August 1, 2026
On July 21, 2026, St. Mary’s Episcopal School mourned the loss of beloved coach and teacher Charlotte Winford Zehring, who passed away at home after a brave fight against brain cancer.
Her passing has created a painful emptiness, but her legacy of kindness and inspiration lives on in everyone she affected.
Born on February 9, 1955, in Wayne County, Tennessee, to parents Tom and Christine Winford, Charlotte grew up with a servant’s heart and a love for learning.
She graduated from Lausanne School in 1973 and pursued higher education at Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina, before earning her Bachelor of Arts degree at Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College).
In 1983, she completed her Master’s degree in Education at Memphis State University, setting the stage for a remarkable 43-year career in teaching, coaching, and counseling at Lausanne and St. Mary’s School.
For decades, she taught middle school English, creating a love of literature and poetry in her students.
Her classroom was a warm, welcoming space where young girls felt challenged to grow and championed to succeed.
She had a unique ability to connect with each student, offering a kind ear and unwavering support during their formative years.
As a cross-country coach, she encouraged diligence and teamwork, cheering on her athletes with her signature smile and boundless enthusiasm.
Charlotte’s impact spread far beyond the classroom and the track. She stayed in touch with her students long after graduation, becoming a lifelong mentor and friend.
Her dedication earned her two prestigious national awards: the 2007 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Joseph B. Whitehead Educator of Distinction Award and the 2011 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Teacher Recognition Award in Washington, D.C.
These honors showed her professionalism, passion, and ability to inspire.
Charlotte Was a Graceful and Loving Person Whose Warmth Positively Impacted Everyone She Encountered
She had a talent for making people feel seen and valued, whether she was guiding a student through a challenging short story or offering words of encouragement during a tough race.
Her love for literature—especially classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and A Dangerous Game—brought stories to life in her classroom, creating memories her students carry to this day.
Her influence is evident in the heartfelt tributes shared by those who knew her. Jen Kaiser, a former student, wrote,
“She was truly a second mother to me during some hard years and a friend for so many years after that. I’m especially heartbroken to lose her within a year of my own mom’s passing. May we all carry on the light of the women who shaped us.”
ViaKendall Hennessy Rosati, who ran under Charlotte’s coaching, recalled,
“Mrs. Zehring was my cross-country coach when I started as a freshman at St. Mary’s. There’s not a doubt in my mind that she was meant to be one of the first people I met at SMS. What a kind, encouraging teacher and coach.”
ViaHita Mohan cherished reading with her, saying,
“Her sweet voice guiding us through some of the best literature was a blessing.” And Hallie, another student, noted,”
ViaAnd Hallie, another student, noted,
“Mrs. Zehring is the reason we left 7th grade knowing how to spell ‘repetition.’ She instilled an appreciation for literature that’s essential to the identity of an SMS girl.”
ViaCharlotte retired from St. Mary’s in 2019, but her influence never faded.
She continued to represent the values she taught—kindness, resilience, and a love for learning.
Her battle with brain cancer was met with the same grace and strength she showed throughout her life, and she faced it surrounded by the love of her family.
Charlotte is survived by her husband, Kyle Zehring, her sister Margaret, her brothers Tom and Frank, and other family members who will carry her memory forward.
Her life will be celebrated at a service on Saturday, August 2, at Mission Church, located at 6000 Briarcrest Avenue.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.
Charlotte Zehring’s death is a heartbreaking loss, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she shaped.
She was a teacher who made literature come alive, a coach who inspired perseverance, and a mentor who showed what it means to live with grace.
Her legacy is woven into the fabric of St. Mary’s and the hearts of her students, colleagues, and friends.
As they mourn her passing, they also celebrate a life well-lived—one that continues to inspire them to carry her light forward.
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