SHREVEPORT, La. — Anna Charlene Hendrickson Young
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love”
1 Corinthians 13:13 Anna Charlene Hendrickson Young was born on January 9, 1925, in Guy, Ark., to Philip and Clara Hendrickson and passed away peacefully to her heavenly home on January 3rd, 2024, in Shreveport, La. Charlene lived a wonderful, remarkable, and beautiful life.
Charlene said that she was so thankful for her wonderful Christian parents, all of her brothers and sisters, and for growing up in such a loving home. They lived in the small town of Guy, Ark., then moved to a farm - first at Crossroads, Ark., then later to another farm in New Home, Ark. Charlene loved to read and was an excellent student, graduating from Guy High School at the age of 16. After her graduation Charlene and her family moved to Conway, Ark.
She met her husband Marty at a high school basketball game and they dated for many years. They were married at Rose City Baptist Church on March 2nd, 1946 in North Little Rock, Ark. Marty attended Little Rock Junior College (now the University of Arkansas at Little Rock), where he played softball and basketball. They enjoyed attending all the games especially one year when their softball team was in the National Championship. Charlene continued to work at KARK, the radio station where she had worked before they were married. After two years, they moved to Fayetteville for Marty to attend the University of Arkansas where Charlene was fortunate enough to be able to work at KGRH, the campus radio station. She was also active in campus organizations and was President of the Dames Club for spouses of married students. Marty and Charlene enjoyed their time at the University spending it with friends who would become dear and lifelong friends, and of course attended all of the Razorbacks basketball and football games.
After Marty’s graduation in June of 1950, they moved back to North Little Rock where Marty went to work for Lion Oil Company. In time, they bought a lot and built their first home together with the help of Charlene’s father Philip and oldest brother Walton. She said they were so proud of it.
They enjoyed being in North Little Rock with so many family members nearby and attended Berean Baptist Church. After 10 years of marriage, their daughter Cynthia was born. Marty’s work required the family to move every four to six years, first to Memphis, Tenn. in 1964. Although they were sorry to have to sell their house, leave their family, neighborhood, and friends they were fortunate to find a wonderful new home, friends, and church home in each location Marty’s career took them. In 1973, they were transferred from Jackson, Miss. to El Dorado, Ark. where Charlene lived for 41 years.
Charlene was a beautiful, talented, fashionable and true Southern lady as well as a wonderful cook. She loved spending time with her and Marty’s family and extended family, and loved preparing meals and entertaining family and friends. Charlene was very active in her church through the years teaching, singing in the choir, directing children’s choirs, and teaching Sunday School and Bible School. She was also active in garden clubs, enjoyed playing golf, and served as a hospital volunteer for over 30 years. She served on the Executive Board of the Warner Brown Hospital Auxiliary including serving as President and on the Board of Directors. She was a talented seamstress and she and her older sister, Verla Mae, designed and made beautiful clothes. Charlene also enjoyed gardening, growing and sharing beautiful flowers and vegetables. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile could light up an entire room and she had such a big heart and love for people.
Charlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 40 years, Carl Martel “Marty” Young; her parents, Philip Birdwell Hendrickson and Clara October Horton Hendrickson; sister, Verla Mae Hendrickson Ward, brothers, R. L. Hendrickson and Walton L. Hendrickson; and an infant sister, Betty Sue Hendrickson. Charlene was a devoted and beloved wife, mother and grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Charlene’s grace, strength, elegance, kindness, warm personality, sense of humor, wit, spunk, and loving spirit will be deeply missed. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Cynthia Ann “Cindy” Young Goodman and Cindy’s husband, Dr. Robert Emory Goodman; grandsons, James Michael Goodman and Phillip Emory Goodman; one sister, Nelda Hendrickson Jones; one brother, Ken Hendrickson; as well as many dear cousins; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; in-laws; and friends.
Charlene’s celebration of life will be held in the chapel at Roller-Owens Funeral Home at 5509 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in North Little Rock, Ark., on Saturday, January 13th, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park in Sherwood, Ark.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For their wonderful care, Charlene’s family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Richard Haynie, Dr. Carlton Houtz, Dr. Robert Colvin, the physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social worker, chaplain and entire staff of Bristol Hospice, as well as all of her caregivers, Elite Health Solutions, and the entire staff of The Oaks of Louisiana, with a special thanks to the entire staff of the Garden Apartments and the entire staff at the North Pavilion at The Oaks of Louisiana Live Oak Health Center.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.