Charlene Thompson Hillstock was born on March 4, 1948, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the late Orine Alice Clark Thompson and the late Gettis Arthur Lee Thompson. She was educated in the Spartanburg County School District and was a proud graduate of Carver High School.

Charlene devoted more than twenty-one years of faithful service as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Spartanburg General Hospital, where she cared for others with compassion, dedication, and strength.

She was known for her outspoken nature, warm heart, and love for cooking. Charlene had a true green thumb and found joy in tending to plants and caring for her neighbors. Serving others was central to her life, both in her community and in the church.

At an early age, Charlene joined and was baptized at Mount Nebo Baptist Church. Throughout her life, she faithfully held memberships at Mount Moriah Baptist Church and Bread of Life Christian Fellowship. She served diligently in various capacities, including the nursing ministry at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, as an usher at Mount Nebo Baptist Church and Bread of Life Christian Fellowship, and as an armor bearer at Bread of Life Christian Fellowship. Her service reflected her deep commitment to God and His people.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband James Hillstock Jr., and her daughter Beverly Hillstock.

Left to cherish her life and legacy are her daughters, Annette Hillstock of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Attonya Hillstock of Union County, South Carolina; brothers, Arthur Lee (Linda )Thompson of Moore, South Carolina, and Vernon N.( Wanda) Thompson of Glendale, Maryland; grandchildren, Tyshaun Hillstock of Spartanburg and Trayvond Davis of Union County;  special daughters, Sandy Smith and Bonita Hunter; and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

On the evening of December 31, 2025, Charlene transitioned peacefully at Mary Black Memorial Hospital. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strength, service, and love.