Charlene Elaine Lewis, 89, passed away on May 9, 2026 in Bethany, Oklahoma. She was born to Oran W. Fitzhugh and V. Ruth Tyson in Blackwell, Oklahoma. She married James Ray Lewis on August 7, 1956 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Charlene worked in payroll throughout her career in Colorado and Oklahoma, retiring from Phillips University in 1995. After retirement, she moved to Bethany to be closer to family. Charlene served as a receptionist for Bethany First Church of the Nazarene for many years.

Charlene enjoyed spending time with family, attending church, and helping others in any way she could. Whenever she welcomed a guest in her home, she would ask, "Can I scramble you an egg or make you a piece of toast?" Her life was a testament of her faith. She always put God first and others before herself. She showed compassion, grace and mercy to everyone she met.

If there was an event involving her children or grandchildren, whether a sporting event, a band contest, or high school musical production, she was there. She fully embraced any and every opportunity to babysit her grandkids, and delighted as each passed her in height. Her grandchildren will always associate two special songs with their "Nannie" – "The Old Rugged Cross" and "I Love You, a Bushel and a Peck." These songs perfectly reflect Charlene's two greatest loves: Jesus Christ, and her family.

Charlene was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Lain; her parents, Mervin and Ruth Flood; her brother Larry Flood; and her granddaughter, Hannah Lewis.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Dana Lewis; son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Melissa Lewis; daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Ron Funk; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Carolyn Flood; and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff of Glade Avenue Memory Care and Mercy Hospice for their loving care and compassion as Charlene battled dementia.

A Memorial Service celebrating her life and legacy will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, Chapel in the Round. The service will be live streamed, and may be viewed on this obituary page.