Charlene Paden Wilson

Charlene Paden Wilson, 74, of McDonald, passed away Friday, March 6, 2020, at the Hospice of Chattanooga Care Center with family and friends at her side. She was born January 19, 1946, in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, to Marion Paden and Helena Herrell Paden.

Charlene attended Mt. Pisgah Academy for 2 years. She graduated from Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, Florida, in 1964. She then moved to Collegedale, Tennessee, where she attended Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University), working at McKee (Little Debbie) to earn her way through school. While working at Little Debbie, she met Thomas Wilson. She graduated from Southern in 1969, and married Tom on November 16, 1969. They moved to Pittsboro, North Carolina, where she began her long teaching career, and he finished his service in the United States Army. Charlene taught at Triangle Junior Academy until 1971. They then moved back to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Charlene began teaching at Cloud Springs Elementary School in Rossville, Georgia, in 1972. She began teaching first grade there but spent the majority of her career teaching fourth grade until her retirement.

In 1981, Charlene was gifted with the birth of her only child, Wendy, whom she loved with all her heart. Charlene loved all animals, but especially all the dogs she and Tom owned throughout the years.

Charlene’s faith in God was very important to her. She was a member of the Collegedale Seventh-Day Adventist Church for more than 50 years, serving as a Deaconess for many of those years. Anytime someone was needed to sit with a sick friend or member of the church, Charlene was there.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of more than 50 years, Thomas R. Wilson; her daughter, Wendy Wilson (Houston) Roe; her brother, Clifford (Betty) Paden; many cousins and nephews; and a host of co-workers and friends.

All who knew Charlene will remember her smile, her laughter, and her huge heart and spirit. She touched everyone that she met. The love that she exuded will be dearly missed by all she encountered.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (StJude.org).

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at the McDonald Road Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 5440 McDonald Road, McDonald, Tennessee, 37353. The family will host a reception to receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. prior to service.