Charlene Worthington

Charlene Worthington, 80, of Stanfield, passed gracefully into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, December 21, 2023, with family by her side.

Charlene was born in the small town of East Prairie, Missouri on November 29, 1943. She was the daughter of the late Lloyd Piercing Clark and the late Elsie Mae Clark.

Charlene was married to John Worthington. Their marriage lasted 43 years, and was an earth-shaking, once in a lifetime love. They made sure to laugh at each other, pray together, pick on one another, and care for one another.

Charlene was a strong fierce woman that loved her family passionately and would literally fight for her family when needed. She could make a meal out of just flour and water and ensured that everyone had enough food to eat. Charlene spent many days taking food to the local establishments in Stanly County, all because she felt that the employees deserved a home cooked meal. She wanted to spread joy and happiness to everyone that she met.

Charlene loved to sing and dance with her daughters, and grandchildren, and was often called “mama” by the local community. Her home was always a welcome place, and she always gave of herself to ensure that others were taken care of and loved.

She enjoyed making baby blankets, and often donated them to the Pregnancy Resource Center, hospital, or families in need. She collected jackets, clothing, and toys to help families at Christmas, and each year she spent months gathering supplies to create shoe boxes to donate to Samaritans Purse. Charlene enjoyed knowing that she was making a difference in the lives of others, and she instilled that into her family.

She liked to play games and loved to spend time with her family. She spent many weekends camping and fishing with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She always wanted her family to be around and when Charlene was with family and loved ones, she was happy.

Charlene was playful, ambitious, strong, and outspoken. You always knew where you stood with her. She was not afraid to say what was on her mind, and her facial expressions often gave her away before she was able to speak.

Most importantly, Charlene loved Jesus. She taught her family how to love the Lord, and how to serve others. She showed the love of Christ by the way she showered her family in affection. She never left them without telling them that she loved them. She always gave of herself selflessly, and her love language was gift giving. She rarely saw her daughters without giving them some nick-knack that she picked up for them. She was always thinking of someone else and caring for others.

Charlene was preceded in death by Vonda Dotson (daughter), Ricky Joe Amick (grandson), Dixie Counts (sister), Doris Ryan (sister), Terry Clark (brother), Gordon Clark (brother).

Surviving family members include her husband, John Worthington, Jr. of Stanfield; daughters, Connie Little (Tony) of Stanfield, Rebecca Furr (Ricky) of Concord; son, John Worthington (Gail) of North Port, FL; granddaughter, Tabatha Floyd (Lee) of Albemarle, grandson JT Bailey (Sharonda) of Charlotte, granddaughter, Zoe Furr of Salisbury; great-grandchildren, Tyler Dennis, Brandon Dennis (Kirsten), Cody Dennis (Sarah), Courtney Dennis, Mya Bailey, and Ella Bailey; great-great-grandchild, Grayson Dennis; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 2:00 pm at West Oakboro Baptist Church, 16803 Silver Road, Oakboro, officiated by Rev. Jerry Greene. The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Worthington family.