Charlene L. Hendricks

Charlene Hendricks, 72, was called home by her Heavenly Father to live eternally with Him on May 21, 2021. Charlene was the second of eight children, born to Alice and Theodore Thornhill on February 6, 1949 in McDonald, PA.

Charlene graduated from Fort Cherry High School and took college courses soon after. Although she did not finish her collegiate studies straight out of high school, she was determined to further her education; and at the age of 58 and 62, she obtained her undergraduate and graduate degree from Strayer University.

Charlene began her career in banking; but after 10 years, she transitioned into public service, where she dedicated the rest of her life to helping people see and achieve their maximum potential. Whether she was helping people increase their skills, gain employment, or engage in personal development, Charlene was an advocate for individuals with limited access to opportunity. She held a particular fondness for her work with Employment & Training Designs, Inc. and Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, from which she proudly retired in 2017.

When she was not working, you could probably find Charlene in the kitchen. She was an amazing cook and showed her love by feeding people with elaborate meals. Her specialties included roast beef, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, deviled eggs, and collard greens. You knew you were going to get a good homecooked meal on a Sunday afternoon.

Sundays were also her day to kick back and watch NFL football. On at least 16 Sundays out of the year, you would find her in front of the TV rooting for the Cleveland Browns. She was a die-hard fan, which caused some friction with her friends and family members who were also Pittsburgh natives, but she never backed down and stood her ground for the “Dawg Pound.” Her loyalty to her team reflected her sense of loyalty to the people in her life—she would stand for you and with you, even in the losing seasons of your life. She was compassionate, loving, caring, and met people right where they were.

Along with her interest of football, she was an avid bowler. In fact, that is how she met her second husband and soulmate, Charles “Mr. H” Hendricks. From the time they met, it was fireworks! They fell in love and were married for 21 wonderful years. Their marriage was a true testament to real, unconditional love. There is nothing she would not do for her husband and children. To say she was a Mama Bear is an understatement; she loved her children and devoted her life to them. She was selfless and always willing to sacrifice, even down to her last days.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband Charles Hendricks, and Father, Theodore Thornhill.

Charlene will be incredibly missed by her family. She leaves to mourn her loss and cherish her memory: Alice Thornhill (mother); her six children, Scot, Danielle, Sherry, Wendy, Kathy, and Anika; her siblings, Curtis, Theodore, Wendy, Teddy, Tracy, Kelly, Troy; and a gang of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and of course, her Hendricks family!

Charlene was a faithful member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where she served in different capacities and worked in the Gallery. She was a God-fearing, God-loving woman whose strong faith carried her throughout her life and into the next.

Charlene will be profoundly missed and forever in our hearts, but we know we will meet again!

Death takes the body, God takes the soul, our minds hold the memories, our heart keeps the love, our faith lets us know that we will meet again.