Carlene Christy Schafer, beloved wife, mother, memaw, great memaw, and aunt, passed away peacefully at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville, N.C., on August 15, 2024, following a stroke and years of declining health due to dementia. She is now dancing with Jesus, likely organizing a tea party in celebration.
Carlene was born on May 21, 1936, in Cabarrus County, N.C., to Rubert Christy and Vilie Ann Barbee Christy. One of four children, she grew up in Kannapolis, N.C., and graduated from AL Brown High School. She attended Kirkwood Presbyterian Church. Carlene worked as an operator for the Concord Telephone Company and Bellsouth in Statesville while attending Mitchell College. It was at Mitchell that she met her best friend, Elaine Schafer (Jennings), who introduced Carlene to her handsome brother, John Ray Schafer Jr. After a whirlwind romance, they married a year later and together ran Schafer Manufacturing Company in Troutman, N.C., where they made their first home.
Carlene and John raised four children while she served as the company secretary until her retirement at age 82 due to health reasons. Carlene was also a devoted volunteer in the school system from 1965 to 1990, holding various roles, including PTA president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. She organized countless fundraisers and was most proud of her work with the Laubach Reading Literacy program at South Iredell High School, where she taught many young adults to read.
An overachieving volunteer, Carlene received the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award from Gov. Jim Martin in 1987 for her work with the Iredell County Developmental Day Center. Her dedication extended to her church, where she taught Bible study, Sunday school, youth group, and vacation Bible school. Carlene was also involved with the Synod for the ARP Church. Being the hands and feet of Jesus was simply who she was, leading by example in all that she did.
Carlene loved to host gatherings, especially Christmas parties, and was famous for her baking, particularly her snickerdoodles. Her cookies were a family favorite, with many of her grandchildren often helping her in the kitchen. Carlene’s quick wit, funny expressions, and generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John Schafer Jr. of Statesville, N.C.; her children: Christy Schafer Allen (Billy) of the home, Brian Schafer (Lynda) of Troutman, N.C., John Schafer III of Troutman, N.C., Lisa K. Schafer of Statesville, N.C., and Daniel Schafer (Lisa D.) of Statesville, N.C.; grandchildren, Jessica Schafer, Bekah Schafer Crabtree (Jordan), Logan Allen (Robin Palmer), Blakeley Allen Richard (Aidan), Lane Schafer, Nick Schafer, and Nathan Schafer; great-grandchild, Cooper Crabtree; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins who will miss her dearly, especially Mary Jennings Perkins. She is also survived by her siblings, Margaret Christy Creed, E.L. Christy (Rachel), and W.D. Christy (Gale).
A celebration of Carlene’s life will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at First ARP Church, 123 East Broad Street, Statesville, N.C., with Chuck Evans officiating. The family will receive visitors at 2 p.m., followed by a service at 3 p.m. Purple was her favorite color, so come sporting it!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First ARP Church, 123 East Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677; the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60671; or Hospice of Iredell County, 1325 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville, NC 28115.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.