Virginia "Jenny" Charles

Doris Virginia Bridges Charles, “Jenny”, 99, of Winston-Salem passed away peacefully at Mallard Ridge Assisted Living on December 19, surrounded by family. She was born on August 12, 1923, in Iredell County to the late Posey Wilson Bridges and Collis Bridges Blackwell. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Clyde Bruce Charles; a brother, George Henry Bridges; a sister, Edna Phelps and her beloved brother-in-law, Carl Charles (Norma). Mrs. Charles is survived by her two daughters, Debbie Largen (Freddie) and Terri Maxcy (Les) both of Winston-Salem; two grandchildren, Abby Gardner (Danny) of Waxhaw and Kasey Odom (Mike) of Winston-Salem; and six great-grandchildren: Hailey Gardner, Peyton Gardner, Mason Gardner, Max Odom, Tate Charles Odom and Remi Ann Odom. Also surviving is her brother, Charles Blackwell, Jr.; sister-in-law, Irene Bridges and special nieces: Nancy Hartman, Shirley Phelps, Carol Taylor and a great-niece, Stacey Scott.

Jenny graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1940 and worked for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system until she retired in 1992.

She was a devoted member of Pine Chapel Moravian Church for 75 years, a place she held dear to her heart. She was active in her Fellowship Class, Senior Friends, Women’s Fellowship and served on the Board of Trustees. While at Pine Chapel she made lasting friendships that she cherished until her very last breath.

Jenny had a way of unconsciously being the light in every room. She was happy, kind, and loving but most significantly she was known for her sense of humor, always making us laugh. She enjoyed painting, shopping, watching sports, playing games and reading, however, she cherished her time with family the most. Her commitment to being ever present for every important event, big or small, was evident as she never missed an opportunity to be with family and friends. Her greatest gift was being “Mamaw” to her granddaughters and “Mamoo” to her great-grands. They kept her young and thriving as she lived independently (and driving!) at home until she was 97 years old.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27 at Pine Chapel Moravian Church with Rev. James Demby and Dr. Rev. Tim Sapp officiating. Burial will follow at “God’s Acre”. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM.

We would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mallard Ridge for the genuine love and care they have shown to Jenny as they quickly became part of our family. In lieu of flowers, we ask for you to do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in her honor. Memorials may be made to Pine Chapel Moravian Church, if desired.