"I'm so sorry to hear of Mrs. Shumate's passing. I remember her well, not only in school, but as Rachel and Ryan's Grandma. She was a great lady and will be deeply missed by many. My condolences to all of you. "
In loving memory of
Charlene Shumate
May 24, 2010
Charlene Ann Shumate, one of three children of Grace Minnie (Goehring) Chilson and Fred Pleasant Chilson, was born on the family farm near Oakland, Iowa on February 1, 1936. She grew up in Oakland and graduated from Oakland High School.
Following school, Charlene joined the U. S. Air Force, where she provided logistical support during the Korean War. She was stationed at the Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. There, she met her future husband, Joseph Edward Shumate, and the couple was married at Pascagoula, Mississippi on March 12, 1955. They made their home in Niceville, Florida before moving to Oak Hill, West Virginia, where Charlene attended college, in Beckley, West Virginia. While in school, Charlene taught at Otter Creek School in West Virginia and in 1961, they moved to Carson, Iowa where Charlene began teaching elementary students at the Carson-Macedonia School. She attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Education.
Charlene and Joseph were blessed with two children, Suzann JoAnne and Joseph Edward, Jr.
Charlene was a member of the Carson United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, spending time with her grandchildren, traveling and planning annual family get-a-ways. Her passion in life was teaching. Charlene retired in 1996 from the Riverside School, after 34 years of teaching 2nd and 3rd graders, but she continued to substitute teach when needed. Charlene was considered a "favorite teacher" among her former students, and she loved to visit with them.
Charlene and Joseph were married 55 years, when Charlene passed away at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa on May 24, 2010, at the age of 74 years, 3 months, and 23 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Fred Chilson; and brother-in-law Duane Hartman.
Charlene is survived by her husband Joseph Shumate of Carson; daughter Suzann Duede of Carson; son Joseph Shumate, Jr. of La Follette, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Rachel Richardson and husband Todd and their children, Ayla and Bailey, of Carson, Ryan Duede and wife Brianne and their daughter Caitlin, of Carson, and Annalise Shumate of Tennessee; brother Darrell Chilson and wife Alta of Norman, Oklahoma; sister Shirley Hartman of Macedonia, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Interment in the Carson Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established.
Tributes
"Suzanne and family. I am so sorry to hear your loss. I have a lot of great memories of your Mom and Wife. She was a great person and will be missed. My prayers are with you through your loss, but try to remember her life here on earth and celebrate that. If you need anything just shoot me an email. May GOD be a great comfort to your family at this time of your loss. Robin Loring Crow"
"Suzann, Joe, Rachel, Ryan, Shirley, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of Charlene. She was a genuinely loving person with a gentle heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"My sympathy to the Shumate family. I had Mrs. Shumate as a teacher in 3rd grade also, probably the second year she taught at C-M. I remember so many things about my third grade year, but not about the other years so much. It was probably because of her wonderful teaching skills and making the class so interesting. The biggest thing which happened that year was the death of John F Kennedy. I remember Mrs. Shumate being called out of the classroom and when she came back she was crying and told us our president had been assassinated. She is probably up in heaven right now teaching again! May you find comfort in God's presence and know that she is in a better place."
"So sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. Shumate had a large impact on me as well as the rest of her students. Such an amazing teacher and person. You're in our thoughts and prayers."
"To the Shumate family. I have some very fond memories of Charlene. When I was in high school, I was assigned to be her teacher assistant and I learned what a great teacher she was. While we were living in the area we have great memories of the get togethers after riding the snowmobiles. We stayed close friends for many years. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family."
"To Charlene's family: I was very sorry and saddened to hear of Charlene's death. I have many fond & fun memories of her from the years we taught together at C-M. Although we weren't in the same building for some years I always enjoyed visiting with her at teacher get-togethers after I went to the high school building. God Bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Rosemary Witt-Broderius "
"Suzanne, Joe and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What great memories of Char. One summer, she let me join you on a family vacation to Kansas to visit Aunt Shirley and family. Such fun! And my favorite of course, Suzanne, was the big Hawaiian luau in the back yard for her friends. She bought us grass skirts and leis and made us dance to "Tiny Bubbles" for the entertainment! (I'm sure we looked good as her and her friends had probably enjoyed a few "tiki cocktails!) What great memories!! Forever friends. Jackie (Jefferis) Kipp"
" You have our deepest sympathy, the community loss one of their best. Char was a wonderful teacher ( she had my two boys) they both thought the world of her No matter where you saw Char she always had a kind word and friendly smile and a possitive out look on life. We will miss her stopping in at the BVR. May your memories lift you up and substane you through this difficult time. Our prayers are with you all. "
"Joe, Suzanne, Joey and family; we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We are deeply saddened to hear of Charleneā??s early passing. She taught our son and I always enjoyed the time I had visiting with her during those days. She loved teaching and it showed. I know Jake loved her! She was so sincere and as the kids she taught grew into adults, she still followed up on them. She never hestiated to stop me at Post Office or on the street to ask how Jake was doing. She was always so sweet! She was certainly one of the best. May God welcome her home and may she rest in peace. God Bless you all. From: Doreen and Mark Colman "
"Our deepest sympathy to the family of Charlene Shumate, all of you are in our thoughts and Prayers"
"Joe, Suzann, Shirley, and families, We always enjoyed the days Char would sub at Riverside Middle School after her "retirement". She always brightened any room! I'm sure most of us are smiling through our tears as we remember this special lady! We are blessed to be able to call her a friend. Love to the family and God bless."
"Joe, Suzanne and Joey and families. We were saddened to learn of Charlene's passing. She was our friend and co-worker for many many years starting in 1968. She truly loved her family and her students. May happy memories bring comfort to you now. "
"To the Family of Mrs. Charlene Shumate, The City of Carson has lost a good one when she passed. I did not have her as a teacher, but my younger brother and sister did, as well as my Daughter. They always spoke highly of her. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many many people..Our thoughts and prayers are with you all....Toni Bittner Casson and Family"
"I am so sorry to hear that we have lost our friend, Char. I know I speak for the rest of us who enjoyed teaching with her. With our sincere condolences, Colleen and colleagues at school"
"On behalf of the Gene Allen family, where do we start?? we are sad to have lost a former neighbor, friend, and teacher. Whether it was sneaking out of the window of the house, forgetting homework, or enjoying a neighborhood chat, she was so much fun to be around. Her little snicker laugh was contagious. I'll never forget the first time I stayed overnight with Suzann and we got to ride in a pink convertible as she taught in Donia then. We cruised the boulevard waving like we had a million dollars. We had some great times over the years. Joe, Suzi and Joe Joe - hang tight to the memories, she lived a great life. She cherished her whole family and so darn proud of them!! May Char rest in peace - from your former neighbors, classmates, and good friends..."
"I was in Charlene's third grade class in the Macedonia building. I have so many wonderful memories of being in her room. It always felt like a safe and happy room. She was also good friends with my parents and I would see her at our house....so I've pretty much known her all of my life. Prior to moving back to Carson, I was a third grade teacher for 21 years. I often thought of how she taught in a loving and caring manner and tried to do the same. She will be missed by many."
"Mrs. Shumate (Char) was a bright spot in everyone's life. Her sass, humor and loving heart made the world a better place. I know I'm one of many terribly saddened by her passing. All my love to her family. Love, Laurie Lea"
"Mrs. Shumate was a kind and lovely woman. My sisters, brother and I each had her for a teacher...and she was incredibly well-loved by our entire family. She was patient, had a kind heart and was an amazing teacher (and I still remember her perfume!). She had such a positive effect on my life and for that, I am grateful. My sincerest condolences to the family of this wonderful woman. "
"We were very saddened by the news of Mrs. Shumates passing. The memories I have of her make me smile for she brought such happiness to all who knew her. Rest in peace-you will be missed. Dave & Deb Blatny"
"I was brought to tears when I heard of Mrs. Shumate's passing. I had her for a teacher in 3rd grade and she was such a wonderful teacher. I loved her dearly. My condolences to all. She will be greatly missed."
"When I heard about Mrs. Schumate's passing I was crushed and devastated. She was my absolute favorite teacher! I also had her in 3rd grade. She was such a special woman with a huge heart. I'm sure so many people will miss her as much as I will. "