Charlene York Tinsley

Charlene York Tinsley of Brevard, North Carolina, passed away at her home on November 7, 2025 after years of declining health.
She was born on January 31, 1943 in Brevard, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents Auburn Ervin York and Edith Louise Mull York. Additionally, preceded in death by her cousin, Dottie Collins DiBartolo, who was like a sister.
Charlene graduated from both Brevard High School and Blanton Business College, Asheville, NC. She was a BHS majorette and enjoyed teaching baton twirling. Charlene met her high school sweetheart, Volney, and they married on July 10, 1960 and shared 65 wonderful years together. He was the love of her life and a kindhearted, dedicated caregiver through her last years of health challenges. They enjoyed dancing, traveling to the beach and golf trips with friends to PGA courses throughout the United States, Scotland, and Ireland.
One of her many assets was communicating with family and friends for holidays & special occasions with her elegant cards and letters. They brightened so many hearts and souls through good times & difficult times. Charlene continued to write while most of the world was texting. She gave so much love through her writing. Her kindness, always willing to help and her beautiful smile will be a gift in Heaven.
She worked at Olin Corporation for 27 years where she retired as an Executive Secretary. Afterwards, she worked at Citizens Telephone Company for a year. Then she became a successful Realtor with Coldwell Banker for 10 years. Charlene loved matching the perfect "home" not just a house for her clients.
Charlene was a member and married at Brevard First United Methodist Church. She was a founding member of the Elective Sunday School Class. She loved her church family and her faith shown through her warm smile and her caring ways towards others.
In addition to her husband, Volney L. Tinsley, Jr., Charlene is survived by her loving daughter, Cheryl "Cherie" K. Tinsley McGaha; her beloved son-in-law, Joseph Richard "Rick" McGaha, Jr.; cousin, Barbara Mull Lang; sister-in-law, Annette Tinsley Green; brother-in-law, Albert Jackson "Jack" Tinsley (Terry); nephew, Gregory Shawn Tinsley; cousins: Dewey Sizemore & Family, Sharon Parker Ward (Carlton); granddaughters: Heather McGaha Smith (Daniel) & Nicole McGaha Moman (Thomas); five great-grandchildren and many loving cousins, nieces & nephews. Also, Charlene's constant companion, Cherie's Yorkshire Terrier, Edie York.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriners Hospital for Children, Greenville, SC. Office of Development, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605-4277. Phone: 864-255-8771. Website: www.shrinersgreenville.org. Or donations to Brevard First United Methodist Church, 325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712. Website: www.brevardfumc.org.
A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2026 at Connestee Cemetery with a reception following at Brevard First United Methodist Church.