Charlene (Lemon) Bodison

On a crisp autumn day in Sumter, South Carolina, October 21, 1962, a light entered the world with the birth of Charlene Lemon, the beloved daughter of the late Sunny Shaw Jr. and Frances Lemon. From the beginning, Charlene radiated a quiet strength and deep compassion that would guide her through a life devoted to love, service, and faith.

Charlene was raised in a home where family was the center of everything. She learned the importance of hard work, the joy of togetherness, and the grace of kindness—values that would shape the woman she became. A proud graduate of Sumter High School, Class of 1980, Charlene carried her determination and care into the world, quickly finding her calling in the field of healthcare. It didn’t take long for Charlene to realize that being a Certified Nursing Assistant was more than a job—it was a mission. For over forty years, she served with gentle hands, an open heart, and a dedication that touched hundreds of lives. Whether she was assisting clients with disabilities, comforting patients in their final days, or simply holding someone’s hand through a difficult moment, Charlene gave of herself completely. Her work with the Sumter County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs was the most recent chapter in her long career of compassion, but she also went above and beyond, offering private sitting services and hospice care with grace and love. To Charlene, no one was ever just a patient—they were a person deserving of dignity, respect, and warmth.

Charlene’s life was not only about caring for others in a professional setting. At home, she poured the same love into her family. A devoted wife, a proud mother, and a doting grandmother, Charlene’s joy came from the people she loved most. Her home was a place of welcome—a space filled with laughter, delicious home-cooked meals, the soft hum of gospel music, and the quiet presence of her many plants that she tended to like dear friends. She found peace in the simple moments—especially early mornings on the porch, a warm cup of coffee in hand, watching the day begin with stillness and gratitude. Faith was the foundation of Charlene’s life.
 

She was a longtime member of St. Peters CME Church in Walterboro, SC, where she worshipped faithfully, and later she joined Sumter No. 1 Church of God by Faith, finding joy in fellowship and service. Her spirit shone brightly in every pew she sat in, every hug she gave, and every life she touched through her ministry of presence. Charlene didn’t need to speak loudly to be heard—her actions, her smile, and her unwavering presence spoke volumes. She was known not just for her strength, but for her kindness—the kind that stays with you long after a conversation ends. Whether she was showing up for a family gathering, encouraging a co-worker, or simply sharing a moment with a stranger, Charlene had a way of making people feel seen and cared for. She upheld family traditions, gave generously of her time and heart, and showed up—always—with love.

On Thursday, June 19th, at Prisma Health Richland, in the stillness of time and surrounded by grace, Charlene quietly joined the innumerable caravan of souls who have gone on before. Her transition was as gentle as the life she lived—peaceful, dignified, and full of faith. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." – Matthew 5:8. She

was proceeded in death by her parents, Sunny Shaw Jr. and Frances Lemon and a stepson Richard J. Bodison.

Charlene leaves behind a legacy that will live on through every person who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will be forever cherished by her husband, Mr. Richard L. Bodison; children, Adrienne Lemon (Jessica) Datrick Lemon (Jernice), Terrance Lemon (Shanequa), Ah-Keem Lemon (Comeshia), Alyssa Bodison, and Tonya Bodison; A granddaughter raised as a daughter, Darionna Jasper; loving grandchildren, Adrienne Parker, A’Rhianna Parker, Taylor Lightsey, Aden Lemon, Charmaine Lemon, Datrinique Lemon, Alexandria Canton, Kiy’Monee Lemon, Jy-keem Lemon, Ry-Keem Lemon, Teriyahna Lemon, Terrione Lemon, Terriniyah Lemon, Karson Tomlin, Aer’ionna Mack, Der’ionna Mack, Ja’Ceon Mack and Ah-Keem Lemon, Jr., Ranz Bodison, GrantBodison, Ellys Bishop, Legrier Cooper, Aaron Reid, Kamilah Bodison, Tyler Lamb, Ashton Bodison, and Aiden Bodison; daughter-in-law, Liane Dubois; her siblings, Murdock Lemon and Vanessa Davis (Eric); her sister-in-law, Brenda Lewis (Irwin) and brothers-in-law, Willie James Moore and Terry McMillan; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church members, co-workers, and dear friends.

Though we grieve her loss, we rejoice in the gift of her life—a life filled with grace, humility, generosity, and unwavering love. Charlene Lemon Bodison’s story is one of quiet strength, gentle faith, and boundless heart. She has finished her earthly journey, but her legacy of compassion will live on in all who were touched by her light.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." – Proverbs 31:28

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