Charleen Carrington

On the 27th day of November, 2024 Charleen Carrington peacefully left this world at her home in Marshall, TX surrounded by family and loved ones. She was 37 days short of reaching her 102nd birthday. Sybil Charleen Witherspoon was born on a cold January 3rd, 1923 to George Code Witherspoon and Dessie Mae (Stowe) Witherspoon. Two older sisters, Allie Mae and Georgia, anxiously awaited her arrival. A younger brother, Bobby, would follow 13 years later. Charleen was born at home on East Crockett Street in Marshall, Texas. She loved her hometown and chose to live here her entire life. She had a fun-filled and adventurous childhood growing up in the east end of Marshall. She and her sisters developed friends from the neighborhood that they kept their entire lives. Charleen attended East End Elementary School (later known as Sam Houston), Marshall Junior High and graduated from Marshall High School in the class of 1940. It is believed that she was the last surviving member of that class. As with her childhood, Charleen made many lifelong friends in high school and she was instrumental in organizing class reunions through their 60th year in 2000. While in high school she cast her eyes on a handsome young man that was in the grade ahead of her. At age 15 she "set her cap" and decided she would marry Emory Carrington. As with most things in her life she accomplished her will and on July 6, 1940 she and Emory were married, a marriage which happily lasted 48 years. The young couple set about starting a family and a business, first it was Carrington's Garage and then for 47 years Carrington Motor Company. During that time Charleen gave birth to son Emory John, Jr. (Johnny) and Dolores Ann. When Johnny and Dolores were in high school, Emory and Charleen had a third child, Morris Clifford (M.C.). Charleen lived a happy life and loved nothing better than raising her children and being the director of all things family. For those of you who knew her in her younger years you will likely agree she was truly an indomitable force of nature. The stories her children and grandchildren and their friends can tell about their experiences with Charleen are endless. After Emory died at a young age in 1988 Charleen carried on and spent the remainder of her years enjoying her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren. She also spent many happy years dancing with her friend Harold Summers. They could be found at local dances three nights a week until they were both 96. Charleen would tell you that she lived a blessed life but it was not without heartache. In addition to the loss of Emory she was predeceased by her children Johnny, Dolores, and a grandson John III. She was also predeceased by her parents and all three of her siblings. She was blessed to be survived by her son M.C. and his wife Mary Sue, daughter-in-law Dorinda McKnight, daughter-in-law Sandi Carrington, grandchildren Jeff Carrington, Vicki Lipsey (Dalton), Polly Allen (Jerrod), Chrissie Thompson (Derek), M.C. Carrington (Stephanie), seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and her wonderful friends who have become family, Paul and Luanne Gorzsas. For the last three years Charleen has enjoyed living in her home while being assisted by ladies that are truly part of our family. We would like to thank Janice Darensbourg, Dorie Faulkner, Emma Jackson, Jackie McCowan, and Carolyn Dollar for their kindness, love, support, and patience. Charleen truly loved these ladies and appreciated that their assistance and care allowed her to always live in her home that she dearly loved. Thank you, ladies. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 4pm-6pm at The Cammack Family Sullivan Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 2:30pm in the Chapel of The Cammack Family Funeral Home with interment following at Algoma Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. Charleen would encourage you to make a contribution to the Friends of Marshall Animals in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be offered at www.cammackfamily.com