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Charlene Marie Speer, born
February 27, 1958, completed her earthly journey on June 4, 2026; a loving daughter, sister, auntie, teacher and friend to so many.
Charlene was born in Atlanta, GA and grew up in Rex, GA, alongside her mom and two younger sisters. She graduated in 1976 from Morrow High School in Morrow, GA, in 1980 from Berry College in Rome, GA, and later received her masters degree in Education Administration from Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.
Charlene lived with her best friend, Laurie Shore, for 43 years. They became friends after meeting in a ladies Bible study at church. During those years, they lived in Riverdale, Fayetteville and Senoia, GA.
Charlene was an educator (teacher and administration) for 30 years in South Fulton County. Many of her former students consider her their favorite teacher and became dear friends in her later years.
Charlene was an active member of the Rock Baptist Church in Rex, GA, until she moved to attend college. After college, she was an active member of New Hope Baptist for 40 years, and most recently, Flat Creek Baptist Church. She served her church in many ways through the years in the music ministry, as “tree diva,” in children’s ministry, Sunday school, clown ministry and teaching English as a Second Language.
Charlene loved her family and friends fiercely. She had a wit about her that she used to quickly transform strangers into friends. She also loved her animals and had such a heart for rescue animals; her latest rescue being her sweet dog, Kirby. She always referred to her pets as her babies.
Charlene had a beautiful singing voice and used it to glorify God throughout her entire life. She loved to travel, vacationing in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Disney World-Orlando, FL, and to Japan and Wales on mission trips. She was an avid reader, played and/or coached softball for 35 years, and was a big Atlanta Braves baseball fan.
Charlene is survived by her best friend, Laurie Shore, her sisters Emily Holley (Dan) and Beckie Winkie (Hugh), her cherished nieces and nephews, and her adoring great nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her mother, Edna Jo Speer Smith.
Charlene had many health concerns in the past 10 years and she journeyed through them all like a trooper. Laurie has been her full-time caregiver for at least 5 of those years and with Laurie’s compassionate care, Charlene was able to spend her last years living at home surrounded by those she loved so much and who loved her right back, even traveling and singing in the choir whenever physically possible.
Charlene will always be remembered for her vibrant personality, her quick wit and humor, her ability to bring joy to others, her compassion, kindness, love and resilience.
A Celebration of Life Service to remember Charlene will be held at Flat Creek Baptist Church, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 4:00 pm. Visitation with family and friends from 3:00-4:00 pm. The church address is 161 Flat Creek Trail, Fayetteville GA 30214.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Flat Creek Baptist Church Building A Legacy Fund
https://onrealm.org/FlatCreekB
(Choose “Legacy” fund from drop-down menu under amount.)
The Speer family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville. Please leave condolences below.
Karen Pace says
Charlene will be missed. You all have honored her well and her obituary depicts her life well. Glory be to God and she experiences abundant life to the absolute fullest.
Kathy Vargo says
Charlene was a lady of many talents. She filled a room with laughter, joy, empathy. She will be missed. We indeed are the lucky ones to have called her friend. Rest in peace sweet friend.
With love and prayers, her Hoosier Honeys.
Shelly Van Sanford says
What a beautiful tribute to such a beautiful soul. Charlene was my best friend from age 18 on. We roomed together in college and after college, and though our connections and time spent together ebbed and flowed through the years, it survived my moving states away and all the responsibilities and trivialities of life. I always knew she was one of the few people who really “got” me” as I “got” her. We shared so many other friendships and adventures, about which we laughed until the end. One of her great gifts was making EVERYONE feel as if they were her best friend. She was one of my biggest blessings, and I will miss her forever.
Cheryl Hembree says
OMG, I am so sorry tor this loss. What a wonderful, funny, sweet soul. Laurie, if you need my help for anything, please let me know.
Linda Coggins says
I do not ever remember Charlene, where she wasn’t smiling! Sending many prayers to her loved ones and a huge hug to Laurie!
Genora Reyes says
I’m so sorry for your loss! What a wonderful sweet lady she was! I have not seen either one of you in years, but remember the good times that we shared at Fulton County Schools. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do. Love you Laurie!
Lee Ann Hammonds says
I loved reading this beautiful tribute to Charlene. Our lives intersected briefly but I knew her as a kind and loving person whose love for the Lord informed everything she did in her life. Heaven is blessed and she will be missed here. Until we meet again Charlene. Well done! Much love to your family and best friend, Laurie.
Brant Jones says
A wonderful spirit that will never parish . We will see her again in paradise. Those that knew her know the sprit that I speak of . Christ followers are connected to that spirit . I look forward to being with her again soon , she was truly a gift to all of us .
Cindy Leathers says
What a beautiful obituary regarding a precious lady! She was such a beautiful soul and loved the Lord, making you laugh and working with children. Charlene was a special friend in the choir at New Hope Baptist and of course, the “Living Tree” for at least 6 years. Heaven got a special person on June 4th and will be missed by so many here on earth. Thank you Laurie for taking care of Charlene so well!
Sandra Blessett says
I’m very sorry that I never had the opportunity to meet Charlene. Our paths just never crossed, I’m sure that I would have loved her. This is a beautiful tribute to your sister, Emily.
Love to all the family.❤️
Elva Rios says
What a Beautiful person she must have been Emily. I know you miss her so much. I don’t know what I would do without Margie. Praying for you all. Love you.