Charlene D. Greene

Charlene Greene, 88 Lakeland - Born on February 5, 1925 in Murphy, NC, Charlene Dare Bowles Greene \"danced\" into heaven on July 23, 2013. Her death was due to cancer. Her early years were challenged by attending 12 schools; however, she met the challenge and excelled in scholastics, made great friendships & developed a strong creative flair. Her life was a picture of inspiration & determination. Married for 68 years to Charles H. Greene she is survived by her 4 children: Joy & Muts Yasumura, New York. Jack Greene, Houston. James Greene & Jeff Greene, Lakeland, 4 grandchildren & 8 great grandchildren. In addition to the immediate family, she is survived by her dear, dear sisters & families, Wanda Garland, NC and Lu Sharon & Bob Rodric Jr., GA. Her great aunt, Alice ""Lallie"" Benkoski, GA, sister-in-law Josie Greene, GA and Texas families of Palmer, Molly, Anne Marie, Mary Jo, and Jill Greene. Residing & raising a family in Lakeland since 1946, she was known to all who loved & respected her as one who would work tirelessly to help her family, her friends, her church & her community. Always a willing volunteer, her pure generous nature could be seen in countless ways: as a Puppeteer teaching young children about being handicapped; a Big Sister for 23 years nurturing 4 little sisters; a teacher\\\'s aide for the elderly suffering Alzheimers; a volunteer for Hospice Care; and a Red Cross Award of Merit recipient during Hurricane Elena relief effort. Never tiring, she helped with fund drives for Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Goodwill, Heart, Leukemia, March of Dimes & United Way. As an active member of College Heights United Methodist Church since 1947, she served as President of the Methodist Young Adults, President College Heights United Methodist Women and helped the church assist families in need. For 19 years, her creativity flourished as she created a different floral arrangement each & every Sunday. With her endless energy & love for children, she has managed the church nursery for the last 15 years. Since 1951, as an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, she chaired all committees with a focus toward Service. As President of various Chapters, as well as President of City Council and Area Council, she has been honored by \\\"Woman of the Year\\\" in 1977-78 and 1978-79. Up until the last moment, she was active and an Advisor to the City Council. The Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts of America were another passion. As Cub Scout Den Mother for over 15 years, she helped over 150 boys. In 1974 she received the Silver Fawn Award for distinguished service to boyhood. Honored by her community, she received the Lakeland Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award 1982-83, Florida Lake Region District of Sertoma International Service to Mankind Award, Lakeland\\\'s Women\\\'s Coordinating Council \\\"Woman of the Year\\\" 1979 Award, Lakeland Advisory Board Appreciation Award, and selected as Jaycee\\\'s Florida Family of the Year. She will be buried at the side of her beloved husband Charles 12:30 pm on Friday, July 26, 2013, Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell Fl. A Celebration of her Life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday July 27, 2013 at College Heights United Methodist Church, 942 South Boulevard, Lakeland. Reverend Daphne Johnson will officiate. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to College Heights Church, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Lakeland, or the charity of your choice. Charlene will be missed so very much by all that knew & loved her. Service: 07/27/2013 College Heights United Methodist Church 942 South Boulevard, Lakeland, Florida 33803