Charlene L. “Chuckie”  Faris, age 87, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her sleep after an extended illness on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

      She was born on December 7, 1937, in Rafetown, Jasper County, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Goldie (Milam) Deckard.  She had been married to Wendell D. Faris for over 20 years.

      Charlene lived in several cities and states throughout her life, including Olney, Carmi, and Dixon, Illinois, as well as Michigan and West Virginia.  In 1999, she moved to Flora to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.  Over the years, she worked in various roles, including at multiple restaurants, a beauty supply warehouse in Dixon, the CEFS Administrative Office, and the senior meal center in Flora.  Charlene found joy in reading, cooking, gardening, listening to music, bowling, playing pool, shopping, and sharing laughter with family and friends.  She was a member of the Oak Street Baptist Church in Flora, where she was also the Sunday School treasurer.     

      She is survived by her children: Michael (Debra) Faris of Fairview Heights and Penny Grubaugh of Flora; grandchildren: Rich Grubaugh of Flora, John (Audra) Grubaugh of Flora, and Carrie Grubaugh of Flora; great-grandchildren: Kaleigh, Brooklyn, Elleigh, and Nolan Grubaugh, Jaxon Cole, and Lexi Enlow, all of Flora; and many nieces and nephews.

      She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son: Lawrence Faris; granddaughter-in-law: Trisha Grubaugh; sisters: Margaret Schneider, Erma Lally, Martha “Jane” Sager, Emma Michels, and Dorothy Yager; and brothers: Milton Deckard, Arthur “Bud” Deckard and Lawrence Deckard.

      A memorial gathering will be organized and hosted by the family.  A visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, February 15, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Flora.  A Celebration of Life ceremony will follow at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the church, with Pastor Jesse McCammon officiating.  Rather than purchasing flowers or other gift items, the family suggests the most meaningful way to honor Charlene’s memory is through a donation to either the Flora Public Library, Meals on Wheels, or any charity of the donor’s choice.  Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora assisted.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com