The Life & Legacy of Clea Olivia Charleston Mahaney

Everyone's life is a mixture of ups and downs, wins and losses, dreams and challenges. This is the story of a woman who worked hard, stayed for real, and tried to make a difference in all around her.

Clea Olivia Charleston was the second daughter blessed to her parents James and Carmen Charleston born October 8th 1964.

Even as a child Clea was a leader and had no problems speaking up for herself and others. She was educated in St Louis Public Schools and later went on to get a degree from Forest Park Community College in early childhood development.

Clea dedicated over 20 years to working with children in Head Start where she was everything from a classroom teacher to administration. She went on to work with adults with disabilities for a decade before going back to her first Passion of children.

Being a mom of 5 is a job within itself but it did not stop Clea from being a foster mom, adopted mom, community mom, and surround herself with nieces, nephews, cousins, and children of friends.

It was later in life when Clea found her person but she knew they would spend their lives together. She was married to Grover Mahaney. They cook together, took walks in the town, watched movies, went thrift shopping, spent time with friends, played games, but most important they enjoyed each other's company. Though there were still things on their bucket list they wanted to do, they still appreciated every day together. Clea and Grover were together to the very end. Together they had a big beautiful blended family of 7 children, 21 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Clea will be remembered as a vibrant, outgoing, outspoken, and intelligent woman. She was unapologetically herself. Her laughter filled every room she entered. Her presence and big wonderful smile brought comfort and joy to everyone blessed to know her. She changed lives in ways that words can never fully capture and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loves her.

Though Clea has left this world, her spirit and legacy will never be forgotten.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul." – Psalm 23:1–3

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, Missouri. Interment will follow in the New Mount Zion Baptist Cemetery in Martinsburg, Missouri.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, at the funeral home, from 12:00 PM until the time of the service.