Charlene Turner Oglesby, 97

Charlene Turner Oglesby, age 97, a cherished member of the Emanuel County community, peacefully entered into Heaven on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Southern Manor Senior Living in Statesboro. Funeral services were held Sunday, August 9, at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church with Rev. Josh Black officiating and Mr. Ralph Cowart assisting. Interment followed in Hebron Primitive Baptist Church cemetery. Family received friends one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers were David Usry, Allen Gambrell, George Conlin, Ricky Turner, Donny Wells and Grady Conlin.

Charlene was born May 18, 1929, in Garfield, to the late Iva J. Turner and Ila Mae Daniels Turner. She attended Garfield High School where she was salutatorian of her graduating class. After graduation, Charlene met the love of her life, Tom Watson Oglesby, and they were married December 23, 1947. She was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and Garfield Community Club. Charlene dedicated 32 years of work service at Creston Agro Mills where she served as a supervisor. After retiring, she continued sewing from home. Charlene’s yard and flowers were a joy and labor of love. She loved butterflies and crocheting. Charlene was a caregiver at heart. She enjoyed cooking and her specialties were 15-layer chocolate cakes and brunswick stew. She instilled by example, a strong work ethic in her children and co-workers. Charlene loved family time at the farm and the beach. Mrs. Oglesby is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom Watson Oglesby, Jr.; and brothers, James Earl Turner, John William Turner.

Survivors include her daughters, Patricia Boatright (Dorsey) of Statesboro and Tommie Gambrell (Carroll) of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Jennifer B. Conlin (George), Amy B. Fulford (Rob), Allen Gambrell and Anna Gambrell; great-grandchildren, Maeson C. Darnell (Bo), Mallory C. McDearmon (Landon), Grady Conlin and Mary Elizabeth Fulford; several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to her caregivers at Southern Manor Senior Living and Affinity Hospice for the loving and compassionate care. A special thanks to the staff and residents at Southern Manor for her good days, whether it was sitting on the front porch, singing hymns on Thursday mornings or sitting around the lunch table with staff enjoying conversations.

Durden Hudson Funeral Directors was in charge of arrangements.