Charlene Blue

Reflections and Memories

of

Charlene W. Blue

" For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house notmade with hands, eternal in the heavens," 2 Corinthians 5:1

On September 14, 2026, Charlene W. Blue peacefully completed her earthly journey and entered eternal rest. Charlene was born on July 28,1935, and from the beginning, her life would become a journey marked by faith, family, courage, and new beginnings. At an early age, Charlene joined Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, where the foundation of her Christian faith was nurtured and strengthened. She continued her faith journey by joining St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Alcoa, Tennessee under the pastorate of Elder Dr. Joe L. Colquitt. Charlene faithfully served on the usher board until her health did not permit her to do so.

Charlene and Jesse Blue were united in Holy Matrimony, December 1987 and were married for 39 years. Jesse was devoted to Charlene and took care of her when her health began to decline.

Charlene attended Austin High School, where she completed her education in the Knoxville City School System and prepared to step confidently into the next chapter of her life. Shortly after graduating, with dreams in her heart and a spirit of determination, she left the familiar surroundings of Knoxville, Tennessee, and headed west to Los Angeles, California.

Her move to California marked the beginning of an exciting new season. Far from home, Charlene began building a life of her own. She found great joy in the simple but beautiful things in life. She had a special love for animals and a tender heart for their care and well-being. She also loved gardening and enjoyed watching the beauty that came from patiently nurturing and tending to the things she planted.

In addition to being an expert tailor and seamstress for several years she was the General Manager of one of the most well-known and prestigious Boutique stores located in the Crenshaw District, Los

Angeles, California. At the door of the store customers were greeted not only by a caged pet monkey but with several homeless animals Charlene rescued. Children and adults alike often came to play and watch her feed the animals. She became known as the "protector of animals". Residents of the areawhile on vacation would leave their animals in her care.

Upon the closing of the store Charlene was recruited to be the Director of the largest "Home Delivered and Congregate Meals" program at Golden Age Resort, at that time it was the largest Senior Center in the Country. She resigned that position to return to her home State Tennessee to support her brother in his quest to start a cleaning business in the Knoxville area. Charlene became the business manager forNational Cleaning System. During that time Charlene was also employed as a seamstress at JC Penney.

Charlene is preceded in death by her father and mother, Leroy C. Penson, Sr. and Beatrice Keith Penson, mother-in-law; 011ie Blue, brother; Leroy C. Penson, Jr., stepdaughter; Deanna L. Ray, sisters in law; Davelene Austin, Betty Smith, Mildred Kirk and Sarah Kathleen Jackson, brother-in-law; Charles Blue, great nephews, Leroy C. Penson, IV, Richard Hewlett, Jr. and Jeffery Penson, Jr.

Those who rejoice in the celebration of her life and cherish precious memories are: husband; Jesse Blue, sister; Shirley Rowans, stepchildren; Tasha (Terry) Herrell, Brett (Carmen) Blue, Sr.,Svea (Vee) Blue Phillips; step grandchildren; Brett Blue, Jr. (grandchild she helped raise), Brett Hines, Britley Blue, Terry Herrell, Jr., Nikki Herrell, Chaitra (Bryant) Hall, Mahogany Blue, Launa Cole, Da'Jonte (D. J.) Phillips, Da'Vonjae (Corey) Phillips, Alaya Phillips, Tanya Foster, Katrisha Ray, sisters-in-law; Wendy Penson and Marva Anderson, nieces; Sharon Penson and Sherese Jordan,nephews; James (Candice Michelle) Rowans, Jr., Leroy C.(Betty) Penson, Ill, Jeffery Penson, Darryl Penson and Mark Penson a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends to include lifelong friend Dr. Willietta "Billye" Schley and close friend Rita Walker.Special mention of friends and family who were just a phone call away: Mike and Tanya Smith, Rick, Sherry and family and the Big Cove Lane group chat members; Deacon Milton Hodges, St. John Missionary Baptist Church Family. Special thanks to Sierra Mills (step great granddaughter) who served as the nighttime caregiver; AMR Ambulance Service, Amedisys Hospice caregivers- Emily, Samantha and Abby, University of Tennessee Medical Center staff.

The family will receive friends on Friday September 25, 2026, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Alcoa with funeral service to follow. The interment will follow the funeral service at Sherwood Gardens. The body may be viewed on Thursday 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Foothills Funeral Home, Maryville.