Mrs. Charlene Johnson-Smith

Mrs. Charlene Johnson Smith, 79, of Albany, Georgia formally of Fernwood, MS departed this life on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at her residence in Albany, Georgia. Visitation 12:00 noon until 2:00pm Saturday April 16, at Peoples Undertaking Company Inc, Graveside services to follow in the Fernwood Community Cemetery. Peoples Undertaking Company, Inc. are in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Charlene Johnson Smith, she was the fourth child to the union of Margie R. Dillon Johnson and Luther Johnson on Dec. 31, 1942. Charlene accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at St. Paul M.B. Church in Fernwood, MS. She played piano and sang in Church Choirs everywhere she went. She graduated from Eva Gordon High School in 1960 and went to Alcorn State where she became the Head Drum Major in the Alcorn State Band and was affectionately called 'SQUAW' because of her high stepping ability and long black braids. She graduated from Alcorn State in 3 years with a B.S. Degree in Education in 1963.She worked in several School systems as an Elementary teacher in Prentiss, MS, Chicago, IL and Greenwood. MS. She and Hamp moved to Tennessee where she worked at Tennessee State University and received her Masters Degree in Education before moving to Albany, GA. Charlene worked for years in Upward Bound as a Counselor and Coordinator for the Region Exam at Albany State University until she retired in 2007. She also worked with the Albany Police Department as a clerk for many years. There were countless students and members of the community Charlene helped and was loved by all who knew her. Charlene was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Charlene went home to rest in Christ on April 7, 2022.She was preceded in death by her parents Luther and Margie Johnson, four brothers: Robert, Roland, Luther, and Bobbie Johnson. oldest sister Lula, and sister-in-law Nancy. Charlene leaves to Cherish her memory: Her husband of over 60 years Hampton L. Smith. Caring and devoted niece and nephew: Cynthia (Al) Buchanan and Fredrick Charles (Miranda) Smith. God Children Kristopher (Cherlise) Buchanan, Alexandria McMullin and Kristiana Buchanan. Sisters: Alma L. Hill, Kathryn Kilpatrick, Debra B. (Joe) King, Francis Otis, Allie Martin Brothers: Frank Louis Austin, and Arthur Otis. Nieces: Esther K. (Larry) McMullin, Jacqueline (Frank) Holmes, Kalynthia K. Martin, Althea Gentry, Keke Austin Reed, Crystal N. Bardwell and Shelah (Raymond) Peery. Nephews: Theo Lewis Jr., Robert C. Johnson Jr., Shelton Austin, Garland Ward, Charlton Kilpatrick , Lee Bardwell, Corey Otis, Cornelius Otis, Eric Otis, Anthony Jackson, Kenneth Jackson and Charles Suds and Corey (Erica) Harris. And a host of other Nieces and Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Mrs. Charlene Johnson-Smith

December 31, 1942 - April 7, 2022