Charlene Smith, 67, Bristol, Tenn., passed away on Monday, January 4, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was born in Abingdon, Va., and lived and grew up in Bristol, Va. She was the daughter of the late Charles William Stanley Sr. and Virginia Blanche Wilkinson Stanley.
In addition to her parents, Charlene was preceded in death by her three younger brothers.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 48 years, Anthony Smith; her daughters, Tonya Smith and Robin Sayers and her husband Jerry; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Cox, Landon Sayers and Bo Sayers; father-in-law, Earl Smith; one brother-in-law, Mike Smith and his wife Beverly; and several nieces and nephews.
Charlene attended business college after graduating from Bristol Virginia High School in 1966 and was employed by WCYB as an assistant to the Vice President before obtaining a position at BTES where she worked until resigning to become a stay-at-home mother. She also enjoyed preparing taxes for friends and family in her spare time and volunteering for her children’s and granddaughter’s school PTA; she served as President of the PTA one year and was a Lifetime Member. After a few years of being a homemaker, she became a dietary aid at the Bristol Nursing Home where she greatly enjoyed conversing and interacting with the residents. She was an asset wherever she worked and volunteered.
Charlene was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. She always put everyone before herself. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, reading, listening to oldies but goodies (especially Elvis Presley), watching crime shows and scary movies, riding around in the country, visiting her family and friends, and getting hot fudge cakes and DQ Blizzards: she had a fierce sweet tooth! She made the best potato soup, gravy, and Christmas candy, too.
The family will greet friends to share memories on Thursday, January 7, from 5:30 p.m. until a Memorial Service at 7 p.m. in the Sunrise Chapel of Tetrick Funeral & Cremation Services, Johnson City. A graveside and committal service will be held on Friday at Mountain Home National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be chosen from family and friends. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 2:20 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that food, cleaning and comfort items or monetary donations be sent to your local animal shelter, ASPCA, or your local Humane Society in the Memory of Charlene Smith, Bristol, Tenn. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral & Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, (423) 610-7171, is honored to serve the Smith family during this difficult time.