Charlene Wylie Williamson

Charlene Wylie Williamson

OBITUARY

Charlene Williamson (nee Wylie) passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024, following a brief period of illness. Beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, fierce advocate for public libraries and education of women; she will be missed.

After graduating from Hoover High, she went on to San Diego State College to major in journalism. At SDSU, she met Bob. They married in 1959 and were together to the very end.

She joined the Friends of the Oceanside Library in 1973. Neither Charlene’s life, nor the library, would ever be the same. A stalwart volunteer for the Friends, she was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees in 1988. She remained on that board for 36 years, not stepping down until January of 2024. She worked with community leaders to found the Oceanside Public Library Foundation.

She devoted countless hours to PEO and the American Association of University Women. Typical for her, she led both groups. Her work with AAUW’s Tech Trek program was a source of immense pride and passion.

Charlene is survived by her husband Bob, her children Lori Chambliss (Larry Bawdon), Scott (Debbie) and Ian (Rebecca). She is also survived by ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren including two who arrived this year. She was predeceased by her son Brian and his wife Happy.

Services will be held at Eternal Hills in the chapel on Wednesday, January 22 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her name be made to the Oceanside Public Library Foundation.