In Memory of Charlene Meier

I got to fly back to the US this month for a short visit to be present at my dear aunt Charlene at the memorial service in Anderson IN. She was very close to me and my family in Paraguay. Over the years Charlene thought me a bunch about being a servant. She did not preach much, but she practiced her faith in action.

Charlene Frances (Roberts) Meier, 86, of Anderson, died Saturday, May 31, 2025 after a lengthy illness while visiting her son and grandson in North Carolina.

She was born on April 7, 1939 in Charleston, WV to the late Charles Roberts and Mildred (Shanklin) Roberts Hensley. She played collegiate basketball for Anderson University in Anderson, IN and was also an avid softball and tennis player. She was a science teacher at East Side Middle School in Anderson, IN for decades where she coached basketball and volleyball.

She met Paul David Meier at Anderson University and married in 1964 in South Charleston, WV.

She is survived by her son, David Timothy (wife Lisa) Meier of North Carolina; her grandson, David Thomas Meier of North Carolina; and her brother, Lester Hensley (wife Judy). Charlene is also survived by many nieces and nephews all over the world, in addition to many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul (2015), her brother, Charles Roberts (2004), and sisters Phyllis McClung (2015) and Betty Higginbotham (2019).

Charlene and Paul attended Madison Park Church of God for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her grandson and traveling to many countries with her family.

During the funeral I was able to share about hope and the need to look up, to leave legacy of good deeds and love. My cousin David, Charlene only son, carries on with his wife Lisa and their two kids Alexi and David junior.

Having family on both sides of the Equator is fun, but at the same time everyone is sacrificing the privilege of doing more of life together.

Although the trip was rushed and last minute. (no one plans to die) I felt again the importance of the ministry of presence in the life of family.

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