Charlene Clariece Caraway

Charlene Clariece Cogdill Caraway, 67, of Bell, Florida passed from this world on August 10, 2021 after a short illness.

Charlene was born in Gainesville, Florida to Charles W. and Clarice Roberts Cogdill, in 1954. She earned an Associates Degree from Lake City Community College in 1984, a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Florida in 1986, and a Masters Degree from Mississippi State in 1992.
Charlene began her career at Bell High School in August of 1986, and was a long time teacher of both High School and Middle School, as well as BHS school counselor until she retired in 2013. She was passionate about helping children learn, manage their educational choices and plan for the future. She was well loved by students, colleagues and her community.
She pioneered the Bell High School Health Academy, which has been a hallmark of success for decades. She taught theater to students for several years at Bell High School and got the actor David Ogden-Stiers from the hit TV show, M*A*S*H, to visit one of her performances of M*A*S*H. She also was both junior and senior sponsor for many years overseeing proms, graduations and parades. She was never too busy if a student needed help or direction. In later years she kept track of students through social media and continued to provide advice if she was asked. She was a steady and positive influence to many in her community.

She loved gardening, visiting the Smoky Mountains, visiting her grandchildren, reading, and painting. She attended Cherry Sink Church of Christ, loved singing, and studying the bible. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband Lonnie Nelson Caraway, her son Buddy Ellis and his wife Joy, her sisters, Marilyn Cogdill Tremblay, and Teressa Cogdill Langford, grandchildren Michael, Sarah, Samuel, and Claire, as well as a host of extended family and lifelong friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles, and her Mother Clariece.
A ceremony will be scheduled at a later date, as her husband is currently recovering from COVID.