Charlene Marie Strother

Charlene Marie Strother, 78, of Edgewater, Florida, passed away on July 28, 2024. Charlene was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. 

Charlene was born Charlene Marie Payne on July 8, 1946, to Fred and Elenor Payne in Kalamazoo, Michigan. At an early age, her family moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. After several happy childhood years, Charlene graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School in 1964 and then was able to attend Daytona Beach Junior College. 

In 1965, after a year at the junior college, and starting a career in banking, Charlene met the love of her life, Michael John Strother. Charlene and Mike were engaged on February 14, 1966, and married on July 23, 1966. Charlene remained in New Smyrna Beach while her husband served as a U.S. Marine.  In 1969, they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Charlene and Mike went on to have three children: Michael Jeffery, Jay Brandon, and Jamie Lee Strother. 

The family relocated back to Florida in 1981 where they bought a home in Edgewater Florida. She then began working with Daytona Beach Community College and ended her working career as a purchasing clerk with Volusia County Schools. 

In 2011, Charlene retired from the working world and spent her time traveling to many different countries, joining a gym and spending time with her loving husband Mike. 

Charlene is survived by her husband; Michael John Strother, their three sons and their families -Michael Jeffery Strother; Jay Brandon Strother, his partner, Katherine Rose Frizzell, their children, Brody Michael Strother, Samantha Jae Strother, Eva Marie Burth; Jamie Lee Strother, his wife Nicole Marie Strother, and their son Aidan Lee Strother; her sister Beverly Jeanne Schaafsma, her husband Peter Schaafsma; and several nieces and nephews.

Charlene will be honored in a beachside celebration of life on August 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at 27th Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, by the water, with a short ash scattering ceremony. In lieu of flowers please donate to Special Olympics of Florida using the QR Code to access the web-based donation page.  

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