Charlita C. Cardwell led a successful, multi-faceted life as an investor, attorney, philanthropist, twin sister, mother, and devoted wife with an unflappable grace and fashionable style that captivated everyone she met. Charlita passed away on January 16, 2020 in Manhattan, NY at the age of 46 surrounded by her loving family.

A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina who moved to Manhattan in her early twenties, Charlita prided herself on being a quintessential southern, Manhattan belle. Despite being severely impacted by the hardships associated with September 11th, her love for New York City never wavered; in fact, she recommitted herself to the betterment of the quality of life of her fellow New Yorkers. Charlita enjoyed a legal career that spanned nearly 20 years. She was an accomplished corporate legal executive, inspirational leader, master negotiator, and insightful counselor who adeptly guided organizations with unrivaled poise.

Charlita's most cherished role was that of mother to her two daughters, Channing (9) and Sloane (6). She took great pride in serving as a role-model, teaching each how best to hone their individual talents for the benefit of positively impacting the world. Throughout her life, Charlita consistently demonstrated to her daughters that all things were possible when grace, elegance, and class served as the foundation of one's actions. Charlita also taught her daughters the meaning of sisterhood. Charlita began her life with a partner from birth, her twin sister, Chareba – a partner in life, love, and laughter. The two enjoyed a lifelong bond that surpassed a biological connection that would prove to defy geographic constraints, time and time again, as they tirelessly supported each other at every turn of life's celebrations and challenges.

Charlita was co-founder of Moore Frères & Co., her family's private investment holding company, and CEO of its foundation. Charlita advocated tirelessly for access to high quality education and healthcare for all and on behalf of women, children and disadvantaged populations. She served on the Board of Directors of CUNY School of Professional Services (SPS) Foundation. Charlita passionately supported Her Justice (formerly In Motion) and was honored with a Commitment to Justice Award for her dedication to the organization and fundraising results. She enthusiastically supported Phillips Exeter Academy, Wake Forest University, University of Pennsylvania Law School, New York Hall of Science, Corporate Council Women of Color, Council of Urban Professionals, The Spence School, Chelsea Day School, The Dance Theater of Harlem, and The Studio Museum of Harlem. Charlita had a genius for leveraging her network to connect people and organizations with overlapping goals and complementary skills and resources to maximize outcomes.

In her capacity as Vice President and Senior Counsel at the American Express Co., she was responsible for providing strategic thought leadership to Amex' Global Commercial Payments division. She spearheaded and was a key player in launching the now-ubiquitous Small Business Saturday. Before joining American Express, Charlita was Assistant General Counsel, Corporate Transactions, at Compass Group USA as well as General Counsel and Secretary of Foodbuy, LLC, its affiliated division. She began her career in private practice with the law firms Dewey & LeBoeuf and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

Charlita attended Bishop McGuinness high school before graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy. She earned a bachelor's degree with honors in economics from Wake Forest University and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Charlita was a long-standing, and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; The Links, Inc – Greater New York Chapter and Jack and Jill of America – Metropolitan Chapter of New York.

Charlita had an adventurous spirit that led her to visit over 75 foreign destinations during her lifetime and became a certified sailor who, along with her husband, frequently sailed the Hudson River, Newport, Rhode Island, as well as the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. Out of all her travels, Paris, France was her favorite destination a passion she shared with her daughters and her sister.

Charlita was a woman of unquestionable beauty and phenomenal distinction; an unending void has been left in the hearts of her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Joan Greenwood Cardwell. She is survived by her husband, Martez Moore; two daughters, Channing and Sloane; father, Charles A. Cardwell Jr.; twin sister, Chareba Buckhannon (Michael); brother-in-law, Martino Moore (Jane); two nieces, Bailey Buckhannon and Mackenzie Moore; two nephews, Brandon Buckhannon and Powers Moore; and countless family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, February 1, 2020 at First Baptist Church, 700 N. Highland Avenue Winston-Salem, NC 27101. The family visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday at the Church.