Charlene Geouge Briggs, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, best mother-in-law ever, and cherished member of the South Toe Community, passed away peacefully at the age of 50 on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. After a courageous battle with cancer, she was welcomed into Heaven to be reunited with her parents, Charles and Texie Gurley Geouge, her brother, Charles Geouge, Jr., and her father-in-law, Ralph Briggs.
A native of Yancey County, Charlene was known for her deep love for her family and community, her generous spirit, and her unwavering strength. Her devotion to her family was immeasurable, and she filled their lives with love, laughter, and kindness. Charlene’s heart was open to all, always willing to help those in need, whether by feeding them or lending a hand, not out of obligation, but because of who she was and the love she had for her friends and neighbors. Her generosity touched the lives of many.
Charlene had a zest for life and was always ready for an adventure, especially in her Jeep, and never let her challenges hold her back. She loved attending the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion events with her husband, Jackie. Having spent their lives together since they were teenagers, anytime you saw Jackie, you saw Charlene as well. They never left one another’s sides. The beach was her special place, and she always referred to Edisto Beach as her home away from home. She enjoyed taking tours there.
Her heart was always at home, and her love for her family knew no bounds. She found peace in the simple joys – solving puzzles, browsing antique shops, painting, and creating beautiful crafts. Her home was a place of comfort, and her porch was her sanctuary where she enjoyed her flowers, and feeding and watching the deer, hummingbirds and cardinals. Her yard was always immaculate because she never allowed anyone else to mow it, and always told everyone that was because mowing was her “thinking time,” where she found solace and peace.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 31 years and the love of her life since high school, Jackie Briggs; son, Dillon Briggs and wife, Abby of Flat Top; daughter, Caitlin Oetting and husband, Alex of South Toe; four grandchildren: Braxton, who was Maw’s sweetheart and she his, Canaan, William and Isaiah; mother-in-law, Lena Briggs of Jacks Creek; sister-in-law, Michelle McIntosh and husband, Jordan of Jacks Creek; her beloved canine companion, Kimbear, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind a host of friends, especially these with a special place in her heart: Lil, Goob, Dick, Doc, Margie Dulaney, Betty Frye, Maude Sparks, Pat Thompson, and Rev. Roy Whitson.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 14th at the Briggs-Oetting Family Cemetery on South Toe. Speakers for the service will include Dustin Atkins and Jordan McIntosh, with Dylan Wilson providing the music. Pallbearers will be Dennis Ayers, Robbie Boyer, Teddy Boone, David Gurley, Justin Gurley, and Scottie Mathis.
Charlene’s family would like for her to be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of others, rather than the sadness of her passing. Her final moments were spent surrounded by the love of her family, a testament to the deep bonds she nurtured throughout her life and the values instilled in her by her mother and father. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, generosity and strength. She was always in the hearts and prayers of her family, and they in hers. She will forever be missed by those who knew and loved her.
Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge at 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
