Charlene Joy McCarty

Charlene Joy McCarty was born on March 3rd, 1953 to John McCarty and Jeretha McCarty (nee Thompson). Much to her mother's surprise, moments later her identical twin Darlene was born. 

She grew up in Saint Paul's Rondo neighborhood attending Saint Paul Cathedral Grade School and graduating from Mechanic Arts High School in 1971. She cherished her memories of the Rondo neighborhood talking fondly and often of her friends, neighbors, and experiences to include playing in the I-94 construction site.

After graduation, she worked as a model and as a state government administrative assistant before becoming a flight attendant in 1974. Her flight attendant career spanned 40 years and 3 airline mergers eventually retiring from Delta. She joined her sister Darlene after the second merger at Northwest Airlines. Her career was filled with extraordinary experiences, precious friendships and many amazing stories to include walking the rice paddies in Japan. She and Darlene flew with President Bill Clinton's “good will” trips all over the world including Russia, India, Europe and Africa. 

Along with work, family and faith were the center of her life. She was a devoted daughter to her beloved mother, Jeretha. It was common to see her sister and their mom gardening with their mosquito netting hats, barbequing in front of the garage, preparing delicious holiday meals and cakes, especially coconut. On Sundays, they would drive to church together and go on other outings. In her mom's final 4 years she kept her company daily visiting her and performing lots of her cares and reminiscing about times past. She also cared for her twin sister and best friend Darlene, during her journey and passing with cancer in 2018. She truly lived her faith. 

She was deeply faith-filled and was an active member of Camphor United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, ushered, and was part of United Methodist Women's Ministry. She was devoted to knowing her Lord and God through Biblical Studies. 

She survived a critical heart surgery in 2015 returning home to a lengthy recovery which she patiently, steadily tackled. She had an amazing 9 years before requiring a second heart surgery which she successfully underwent on September 3rd 2024, She had total faith in God's plan for her. 

She passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in her own home on December 2nd, 2024. 

She is preceded in death by her Father John McCarty; her Mother Jeretha McCarty Lewis; Brothers Eugene McCarty and Alfre Lewis; Sister Darlene Moore; Step-father Joseph Lewis; and beloved pet Dot Athena. 

She is survived by Siblings Robert and Albert Lewis; Sister Gendolyn Moore and many more family and friends.