Charlene McDougle Smith Obituary in Greensboro at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home

Obituary For Charlene McDougle Smith

Charlene McDougle-Smith, departed this earth to join the Lord on January 12, 2022.

Charlene was the first of two siblings and the daughter of Charles and Lucile McDougle. She had been ill for some time and was in the hospital in Greensboro being cared for by her two daughters and health care staff when she transitioned.

Charlene spent her formative years in Chapel Hill, North Carolina as a loving daughter and caring sister to her brother Charles. While attending public schools in Chapel Hill, she was also an active member in First Baptist Church. Upon moving to Greensboro, N.C., she became an active member of St. James Presbyterian Church. Her presence among her classmates, community friends and church members had a profound impact on building life long friendships with each of these communities and created many proud moments for her family to witness through-out her lifetime.

As the proud daughter of two prominent parents of Chapel Hill, N.C, Charles and Lucile McDougle, for whom an elementary and middle schools have been named, she understood image and expectations, during the Jim Crow era. Her father rose to principal and administrator in the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools. Her mother was a dedicated teacher for over 25 years in the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools. They predeceased her in passing; however, their commitment to providing quality education to all students greatly impacted the future careers of Charlene and her daughters.

Charlene is a graduate of Hampton University, where she met Horace, who is a graduate of Hampton University also. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Syracuse University. Charlene lived most of her adult life in Syracuse where the girls were raised under her and Horace’s loving and unerring guidance.

During her marriage to Horace Smith, the celebrated college retention and graduation expert who holds a doctorate degree from Cornell University and is a retired SU Vice President, the couple had two daughters, Tonya and Tamara Smith. Following in their parent’s footsteps, Tonya and Tamara attended SU as well. Tamara continues the legacy by working in the Chapel Hill Carrboro City School district, while Tonya works for a tax-auditing firm.

Ever beautifully attired for all occasions, impeccably auburn~coifed Charlene was the model of rectitude with a persona that not only her daughters successfully emulated, but other women of all ages did too. In Syracuse, Charlene was a practicing Baptist and a member of Jack and Jill Inc. while her girls were growing up. She also was an active member of the Syracuse city chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. among her civic engagements. Professionally, Charlene was a Syracuse Public Schools social worker and later an administrator, who could always be relied upon to guide pupils to wise and supported choices as they navigated the learning experience.

Over the past 12 years, Charlene has lived in Greensboro, developing many close relationships, especially among her church community. She was an active member in St. James Presbyterian Church and participated in dance, choir, and hand-bells.

Charlene was known for her infectious smile, her kind and generous spirit, and her willingness to befriend newcomers. In addition to Horace, Tonya, Tamara—both of North Carolina , and Charlene’s brother Charles ( Janice) McDougle, Charles A. McDougle, III of Temple Hills, MD. Sandra Harris, Saquandra Heath of Raleigh, NC. , Lawrence McDougle, Jr. (Denise) of Denville, NJ And.numerous friends and relatives in Syracuse, Greensboro, Chapel Hill, and beyond mourn the passing of Charlene McDougle Smith. Moses McClam, her former husband of Greensboro, N.C., also mourn her death. All the same, we must be comforted by the blessing that her suffering is no more, and she, who remained a woman of faith, has ascended to the best place for angels like her.

A service honoring her life will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday January 30, 2022 in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services for Charlene McDougle Smith are planned for family only. A memorial service will occur in the spring. Donations in her name can be gifted to McDougle Elementary school in Chapel Hill - Carrboro school district. Professional service is entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.

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Condolences & Tributes

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You have my deepest sympathy.
Joseph E. Heyward, Ed. D., Florence, SC

Horace, you have my deepest sympathy. May God continue to bless you and members of your family.

My prayers and sincere condolences to Charles,Tammy,Tonya and family. Charlene was a beautiful person with a big heart and a true friend. We were all Blessed to have her in our lives. Fond memories live on. Collene

My brother Smitty (Horace) heartfelt condolence to you and your family during this time of sorrow. Charlene RIP.

I will miss my Charlene, my friend. Always loving and caring. Prayers and sympathy go to the family. Jacqueline Fleming Coles

To Tammy and Tonya, our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this time. Charlene's beautiful smile and warm loving heart will be missed. The times we spent with Charlene whether on vacation or just sitting around the table laughing and talking about good times will be forever cherished. God has called home a beautiful soul. May the Lord bless, comfort and give you strength.
-James Teele and Family Lynchburg, VA

To cousins Horace, Tonya and Tammy, we extend our condolences and wish for you peace and comfort. Love Cousin Janis Wilson and family

Much love to you, Tami, and your wonderful family. Hunter

Charlene Smith was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Syracuse Alumnae Chapter when I met her. She had such a beautiful smile. She has two lovely daughters who I knew also. I will continue to pray for your health and strength to carry on.

I met Charlene in Syracuse, New York and we became friends and along with being sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority we worked together in Syracuse Schools. May God continue to comfort and light your pathways Tonya, Tammie and Charles. Marchyco Harrell

Sending prayers of comfort!!

Tonya..Tammy andfamily.The news of your sorrow just reached me.I think I can realize your loss because I know how empty my world seemed when the news reached me.It will be very hard for all of us who knew her well to carry on.We can be glad it was our priviledge to know her as long as we did. Such a BEAUTIFUL person.I shall always remember her kindness and helpfulness. Such an EXCELLENT former parent while you were in my classroom.

Sending my love and prayers to Tami, Tonya, and family. Miss Charlene will be truly missed. Her grace, love, and presence filled a room. Her smile warmed your heart, and her kind words and encouragement will last a lifetime. I am blessed to have been welcomed by her with open arms at all times. I am so grateful for all that she has contributed to my life and of others. Rest in heaven to a mother, role model, and phenomenal women. Love always, Candice (Barnes) Timmons & Family

To my friend Tami, thanks for sharing your wonderful mother with us. Miss Charlene is just like you...the first time I met her, she was so loving, smiling and full of personality. When I told her who my parents were, she just smiled and said "yes, you look like both of them." After that, every time I saw her she was the exact same loving, giving, and smiling lady. she gave the best hugs! I share with you in your heavy heart, but know that she is at rest and peace. Your heart will be so full of beautiful memories to help you and Tonya through these hard days. Keep your faith and trust in the Lord. He will always be there for you. I love you, Titia. Letitia Jones Davison Chapel Hill NC

Thinking of the family during this time. Praying for Tonya and Tammy's strength. Sending big warm hugs to you both. ❤️ 🙏🏾❤️

My sincere condolences to the family of Charlene Smith. She always had a smile and was a hard worker in anything that she did. May God's richest blessings be with Tonya and the family. Love ya, Evelyn Williams, Syracuse, NY

love ya,

Charlene, you were the epitome of a classy beautiful southern bell❗️❗️You wore your dignity proudly and humbly. Your smile was infectious. The world was better because of you. Our sympathy to your family.

Charlene was a beautiful person inside and out. She was a people person and she brought joy to those around her luminous smile lit up any area of darkness present when she was around. Thank God our paths crossed because she inspired me in every way. I met her through the McClam family and I thank God for the times I spent with her. Her crown is waiting for her because I believe God was pleased at the life she lived. RIP, my friend.

Charlene was a beautiful person inside and out. I thank God I had the pleasure of meeting her through the McClam family. Her luminous smile lit up any area of darkness she encountered and brought joy to those around her. She lived a life pleasing to God and her crown is waiting for her. Bertha Teele

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Charlene's family. She was a true joy to work with and a wonderful member of the Praise Team and Inspirational Ensemble. We will always remember her warm and welcoming smile, comforting words and love for all. Peace and Love to her family and friends.
Charles and Marsha Knox

Mary Ellen Andrews

I am heartbroken to learn of Charlene's passing. I worked with her in Syracuse and Tonya was one of my "kids" when she attended Nottingham HS. Charlene was a wonderful parent, colleague and friend. She was so very kind. My prayers to her girls, Smitty, and all who loved her; Heaven has another Angel. Rest In Peace, Charlene.

My dearest Aunt Charlene, I love you and will miss you. You kindness, love, guidance,hospitality and wisdom are remembered, treasured and appreciated.
Robbi, Lisa, Taylor, Lauren, Kendall and Gabrielle

Praying for the Smith Family. So much Love for Tonya and Family.

I am ever so thankful for having my cousin Charlene in my life. Some of my most fondest memories growing up was spending time with her. I will forever cherish those moments and forever love her. Rest in Paradise my dear cousin 🙏🏾❤️

A child of GOD who was always there with a good thought and a beautiful smile. Always there for her family without hesitation no matter the circumstance or the distance. I know the light of GOD is shining for the newest star in Heaven. Amen 🙏🏾

Prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Charlene McDougle Smith. While working at the middle school named after her parents, Charles and Lucile McDougle, I had the pleasure of meeting her during our yearly graduation ceremonies where she presented a special award named in memory of her parents. She was so warm, gracious and stylish with both an inner and outer beauty that made her visits an extra special occasion. May precious memories bring sweet comfort to the hearts of her loved ones and dear friends. Rhonda Hairston, Retired McDougle Middle School Counselor

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC