Mary "Charlene" Barbour

Mary “Charlene” Barbour, age 86 of Mattoon, IL went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 14, 2023. She was surrounded by love. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at noon, Monday, December 18, 2023, at First Southern Baptist Church, 3521 Dewitt Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Dr. John Calio will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. The visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of services. Charlene was born on December 2, 1937, at her home in Charleston, IL. to Joseph R. and Lois B. (Anderson) Norman. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Stoltzfus and husband Scott of Mattoon, IL; son, Robert “Bruce” Barbour and significant other Gail Eisenbarth of Mattoon, IL; two grandchildren, Dustin Stoltzfus and wife Heather of Mattoon, IL, Ashley Spittler of Casey, IL; five great-grandchildren: Sydnee, Damien, Sadee, Blayne and Brylee; one brother, Nick Norman and wife Janice of Dozier, AL; and one nephew Michael Norman of Gulf Breeze, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Charles Huggins, whom she dearly loved; and her former husband and friend, Robert Barbour. Charlene graduated from Mattoon High School in 1956. During high school, she was employed at Knowles Cafeteria, where she worked along with her childhood best friend, Joyce Mey. They shared a lifelong friendship, and many laughs were had, and memories were made. Charlene was employed at General Electric for thirteen years and then Lender’s Bagels for twenty-five years before her retirement. She also was a hospital auxiliary volunteer at Mattoon Memorial Hospital. Charlene was a devoted member of First Southern Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL. She actively served in the Women’s Ministry, Vacation Bible School, and the nursery. Charlene looked forward to her Sunday School Class and the Live Wire monthly outings. She enjoyed spending time with her friends at church. In Charlene’s younger years she enjoyed water skiing, playing tennis and she rode her Yamaha 250 motorcycle and moped around town and to work. She loved to travel and took many vacations with family and friends. Her most fond memories were time spent with her children, grandchildren and her cousins, Jane, Jean, Kaye, and Faye. Charlene was also known as “Granny” to her great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. Charlene leaves an impact of deep love for her children and grandchildren. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Transitions Hospice, Gwena Zike, and Copper Creek Cottages and the wonderful staff for the care given to Charlene during her time there. A special thanks to family and friends for the numerous ways you continued to support Charlene through a difficult time. Memorials in her honor may be made to First Southern Baptist Church or Transitions Hospice, 3011A Village Office Place, Champaign, IL 61822. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

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Mary "Charlene" Barbour

December 2, 1937 - December 14, 2023