Charline Marie (Frizelle) Whitsitt

Charline was born April 26, 1931 to parents, Oran and Nora Frizelle. She was the third of six children and grew up in a home filled with faith, laughter and strong family bonds in Nevada, Missouri.

After graduating high school, Charline moved to Kansas City to attend a secretarial school. She then worked for Kansas City Life Insurance Company. Her adventure began when she met, then married Rick D. Smedley in December 1951. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family, raising their four sons, Victor, Russell, Christopher and Gregory, in Grandview, Missouri.

Charline embraced motherhood with joy and purpose. She was a devoted stay-at-home mom who poured her heart into Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, little league games, school events and bedtime stories. She often said it was her dream job and she lived it with unmatched devotion!

Charline and Rick were founding members of Holmeswood Baptist Church, where they sang in the choir. She taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible Schools, and helped build, not just a church building, but a vibrant, loving community. Charline’s faith was a cornerstone of her life.

When the church envisioned a daycare ministry, Charline was the natural choice to lead it. With her nurturing spirit and boundless energy, she created a haven for the children and a support system for young parents, mentoring staff, and offering teens their first job opportunities.

Charline’s joy was contagious. She often entered a room with the clap of her hands, saying, “Let’s get this party started!” She loved to laugh, sing and dance, and play bridge with friends. As she grew older she’d talk about her knees hurting some. When asked why they hurt she’d say, “Well, I’ve had them a long time and I probably did too much jitterbugging back in my day!” Charline cherished traditions, especially taking her grandchildren to Crown Center at Christmas and hosting Christmas Eve gatherings. These gatherings at her home were filled with eating brisket, singing carols, and family warmth along with her renowned peanut butter fudge.

Above all, Charline loved deeply. She loved the Lord, her family, her friends, and every child who crossed her path. Her happiness was genuine, her compassion effortless, and her presence unforgettable. Her legacy is one of kindness, faith, and unwavering love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Mildred and Lucille, brothers, Eugene and Jerry, and her beloved son, Chris and his wife, Debra.

She is survived by her sister, Patty, sons Victor (Teri), Russell (Deborah), Greg (Michelle), 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love she leaves behind.