Charlene Matthews Denley, 86, of Grenada passed away on Thursday, February 5 at her home. Charlene was born on September 15, 1939 in Winona, MS to Vera and Homer Matthews. A long time resident of Grenada, MS; she was a graduate of John Rundle High School and a retired operator of AT&T.
Charlene, known more affectionately to most as Granny, lived her life to the fullest every single day. She married her high school sweetheart, Bobby Denley, at just fifteen years old. Together, they finished high school, began their first jobs, raised a family, built a home, and later enjoyed their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Before Bobby's passing in 2021, they were approaching seventy years of marriage.
Charlene devoted much of her life to caring for others. You would be hard-pressed to find a more generous soul. She raised three active children while working at BellSouth Telephone Company-now AT&T, then poured her love and energy into her grandchildren. Even as the years slowed her down, she continued to care for her great-grandchildren, always putting others before herself.  Sunday meals at Granny's house were a must. No matter what else was going on, everything stopped for Sunday lunch at Granny's. This tradition continued as her grandchildren left for college and returned home for those same Sunday meals, and later as her great-grandchildren were introduced to the family tradition. Walking through the door, you could smell her southern cooking and hear the family arguments—usually centered around Ole Miss sports or the Atlanta Braves.
Granny never missed a ballgame—whether it was for her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. Everyone knew exactly when Granny arrived. She was loud, proud, and unapologetically opinionated, and when she and Grandaddy attended together, umpires and referees never stood a chance. It didn't take long for folks to learn not to seat them behind home plate, near the teams, or anywhere close to the parents of rival players. Granny was always up for a good shopping trip. You never knew what she would bring home—or for whom—when she came wagging her bags through the door. And when she wasn't at a ballgame or shopping, you could find her at the bingo hall. Bingo was the closest thing to gambling she ever embraced, and she loved sitting in that smoke-filled room, waiting patiently for her winning number to be called.
A member of Hebron Baptist Church, Charlene lived her faith daily through the way she loved and cared for others. Her life reflected the words of Proverbs 31:31: "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Charlene is survived by her three children: Kim (Woody), Greg, and Derek, all of Grenada. Her seven grandchildren: Lauren (Daniel), Garrett (Lexie), Sam (Mary Katherine), Devin, Jesse, Dani, and Damien and her eight great-grandchildren: Madi, Wyatt, Bennett, Peyton, Mary Bronwyn, James Wade, Beau, and Ellie.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her only sibling Ann Havens.
A visitation will be held at McKibben & Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada on Saturday, February 7 from 5:00-7:00pm.