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/FlatCreekBaptis/-/form/give/now
(Choose “Legacy” fund from drop-down menu under amount.)

Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com. The Speer family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville.