Charlene Passmore

Charlene Marie Passmore passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on November 27, 1937, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Charles and Cecelia Brinkmann, she left home young and eventually settled in Flint, Michigan, where she met the love of her life, Elton Deevie Passmore. Together they raised six children, and Charlene took great pride in being a dedicated homemaker, devoted mother and grandmother. In the early 1980s, they retired to Guy, Arkansas, and turned their shared love and passion for plants to life by opening Passmore’s Greenhouses — a dream realized and a lasting legacy nurtured together.

Charlene was an unforgettable soul and a steadfast presence, often found watching the world go by from her windows, a silent guardian of her surroundings. She was known for her gentle warmth and the quiet grace with which she moved through the world. Yet beneath her tender demeanor was a strong will and steady resilience — qualities that shaped her life and inspired those around her. She faced challenges with courage, and stood firm in her values, always guided by love.

Charlene found beauty in the simple things, especially in her deep fondness for hummingbirds. She delighted in their presence, seeing them as symbols of joy, grace, and the fleeting wonders of life. They brought her peace, and in many ways reflected her own spirit — small but mighty, gentle but vibrant. She approached life with a refreshing honesty, never one to sugarcoat the truth, and her directness was often accompanied by a surprisingly sharp and delightful sense of humor that could bring a smile to anyone's face. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, a trait that, while sometimes surprising, always came from a place of genuine care and conviction.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication to family. She was a pillar of strength, a guiding light, and a source of endless love for all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Though her watchful eyes are now at rest, the love she gave and the echo of her laughter will continue to resonate within us.

Charlene is preceded in death by her loving husband, Deevie Passmore, sister Shirley Rottman, brother Ronald Brinkmann, grandson Earl D. Gaines Jr, grandson Dion M. Harriston, and great granddaughter Loralai Fulton.

Left to carry on her memory are her children, Julie (Leroy) McNeil of Toledo, Ohio; Ellen (Tony) Blankenship of Conway; Scott Passmore of Guy; Kevin (Theresa) Passmore of Guy; Richard (Maria) Passmore of Flint, Michigan; and Glenn (Nema) Passmore of Florida. 23 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, 19 great great grandchildren, and a myriad of nieces, nephews, friends, and friends who became family that she loved as her own.

There will be a funeral service on Tuesday, May 20th at 11:00 am, with at visitation before at 10:00 am, both located at Wilcox Family Funeral Home. The burial will follow at Rosebud Cemetery.