Charlene McGaha

Charlene Keeler McGaha, age 98 of Fairgarden in Sevier County TN, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025

Charlene was born March 14, 1927, and held many roles in her community. Not only was she a schoolteacher who taught in one and two room schools during the 1940’s and 50’s at Fox and Fairgarden, she was also a teaching assistant during the 1960s at New Center School. She was an active member of First Families of Tennessee, served as Vice President of DAVA, and was the genealogist for the Fairgarden Community. Charlene was the oldest living member of Fox Methodist Church, which she joined in 1939, where she took an extremely active role, serving as the church historian, secretary, and treasurer. She was also the last living member of the graduating class of 1945 from Sevier County High School.

Charlene will be remembered and missed by many. She was a kind-hearted lady who had a giving spirit. Her love for her family was evident, and she always felt happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones. She also took great comfort in her faith and relationship with God.

Charlene is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Roy McGaha; her mother Minnie Fox Keeler; father, Charles “Charlie” Keeler; and her sister Willie L. and husband Carl Lafollette.

She is survived by her beloved son, Charles “Tommy” McGaha and Tommy’s special friend Connie Myers, niece Elaine Lafollette Burgess on the Keeler side, and numerous other nieces and nephews on the McGaha side.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Charlene’s caregivers at Dominion Senior Living who provided excellent care with love and compassion. She enjoyed the family dinners, crafts, snacks, bingo games and all the other activities.

A special thanks also to Gentiva Hospice for providing such love and comfort to her and her family during her last days.

The family will receive friends 5-7 PM Thursday, October 9, 2025, with funeral service to follow at 7 PM in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home. Reverend Ken Lambert and Reverend Morgan Mell will officiate. A procession will leave Atchley Funeral Home at 10:30 AM Friday, October 10, 2025 in route to Shiloh Cemetery for an 11 AM graveside service and interment. Serving as pallbearers will be: Branson Burgess, Taylor Burgess, Grady Gilbert, Scott McConnell, Mitch Rader, and Jeff Sims. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Fox Methodist Church, 168 Fox Church Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876. 

Online condolences may be made to www.atchleyfuneralhome.com