She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Lee Byars and Vonita Jones Byars and her brother, Paul Andrew Byars. Charlene is survived by her husband of more than fifty years, John Carter; two daughters, Christy Carter and Kelly (Kevin) Hughes; two grandchildren, Nyla (13) and Joe (8) Hughes; sisters-in-law, Donna Jennings, Carol Barlow, Patricia Bennett, and Lelia Byars and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.
Charlene graduated from Greenwood High School in 1969 and earned a teaching degree in elementary education from the University of South Carolina in 1973. She worked as a classroom teacher and assistant for 35 years in Richland School District One and Lexington/Richland School District 5. Although she taught all elementary school grades over the course of her career, she had a special gift for teaching kindergartners.
Post-retirement, Charlene enjoyed spending time with her friends, nurturing flowers on her back porch, and adventuring with her husband. Her favorite role in life was being “Yaya” to her two grandchildren.
She loved beach music, shag dancing, and the color pink. Charlene was a longtime member of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church and enjoyed listening to the choir sing and watching her daughters grow up in the youth group.
The family will receive visitors on Saturday, April 30 at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church at 10:00 A.M. prior to the Witness to the Resurrection service at 11:00 A.M. A reception will follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Carter family.
