Condolence: When I started teaching in 1987, I was very scared and didn't know what to expect. At that time you didn't have a mentor teacher, but there were teachers at Alma Middle School who took me under their wing and helped me through everything. There are good schools and there are good teachers but the legacy these women left will never be outdone. I dreamed of being as good a teacher as they were. But who can fill the shoes of Carlene Ewing, Beth Graham, Rosemary Blasingame, Marilyn Ferguson Yates, Vi Pettit, Karen Thompson, Sharon Bean, and Sue Lewis, They all helped me in different ways, but Carlene had the most affect on my life. We taught next to each other for over 10 years. We shared our happy moments in life, we shared our sad moments, we shared everything. We taught each others children, Deidre Underhill, Barrett Ewing, Erica Walters, Justin Blanton, and Brooks Blanton. We shared there successes, the tough things they had to go through. We shared the times our husbands were sick. I learned how a good teacher and classy lady lived and worked. I don't know how many times I would get to school and she had been there until 1,2, a.m. She altered or sewed clothing many, many times for people, for cheerleading uniforms, band and choir uniforms. Any time we had a reason to eat she would fix her room up so it would be nice for all the teachers coming in. She put tablecloths, she would go buy stuff extra with her own money to make her room as homey as possible. She did all these things, and still made each student think she was there just for them. She gave her all to every task she took on, being in the same department was wonderful, because she led and following her was so easy. She retired a few a few years before I did, and it took something out of me. My guide was gone. Deidra, Barrett, Erica, you three were so loved, I never heard her say one word about being frustrated with her kids. She had many accomplishments in her life, but to her, you three were her best.

I was fortunate enough to learn and see a true servant of God.

Condolence: Mr. Ewing,
What a beautiful service for a beautiful lady. Your family is very special to me. You were always so respectful to me and as a young teacher, I had so much to learn. I had the privilege of having your daughters in band and they were awesome young people and have grown to be wonderful young ladies. Although I didn't have Barrett, Carlene told me about him and it was as if I knew him. She was very proud of her kids and had every right to be! Carlene was such a great mentor and friend when I worked with her at the middle school. As was mentioned in the service, you and Carlene have touched many lives and I feel honored to be one of them! So sorry for your loss just always remember what a positive impact your family has had on so many. She truly demonstrated love daily.
Sincerely,
Tammy Sangster

Condolence: There are no words that can help in accepting such a loss. She was a unique person that was able to touch and change the hearts of so many, especially teens. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and your family during this difficult time.

Condolence: How I loved this woman. She and I taught at Alma Middle School for more than 20 years. We did so many things together. She was my best friend. We could sit and talk for hours about school, our families, what we thought should happen and what we could do about it. The latter statement is true because we would try to do something about things that we thought should change. We were sponsors of clubs at school, and were always trying new projects with the students that would benefit the students, the school, and the community. I told the children and John that Carlene and I would “ask for forgiveness” instead of permission, and boy could we play the innocent role. She was a woman, friend, and teacher that would go out of her way to help and guide. She was always there when I needed help and I was there for her. It got to be where you saw one of us working on something; the other was not far away. We had our own “Band Bus” when Dee, Francie and Larry were in band. We were known for being the cleanest bus and we hoped the most enjoyable. We tried to mother them all and they knew we were there for those kids. She was one of those people that everyone went to when in need of advice, love, and caring. She loved her work and those kind of teachers are hard to find. I am sure all of her students remember her and I feel that they were blessed by being in her class. I can remember when we retired. She nor I wanted a big reception for our “going away”, but we decided that if we did it together then it would be OK. Well, I left her by herself that day, (Bill was in the hospital at LR) and she had to be on her own. I will miss just talking on the phone about “our kids” and everything that we were both doing. I know that she is taking care of people where she is and finding all “things to do”, but I am going to miss her. In her way she is making everyone aware that you should treasure every day, and make sure the ones around you know you love them. I witnessed the love her family had for her. A pat on the shoulder, or a hug or a kiss or just simply a touch or a look were there for her, and knowing her like I did, she appreciated everything. Dear Best Friend, I will miss you, but I am a better person by loving you.

Condolence: Charlene had a smile and joyful greeting each time I meet her.My prayers go out the the family of a wonderful person to have known.

Condolence: My deepest sympathy to the family and also the St. Michael community. Her dedication and service even during trying times speaks highly of her great love. While I was there it was a great joy to work with her and things got moving as soon as she came through the door. Heaven better watch out !

Condolence: Dearest Ewing family,My heart is so deeply saddened and grieving as I learn about Carlene. I was not even aware of her illness. Though I so deeply regret not having known,,distance,time and health could not lessen the deep respect,admiration,friendship and love I feel for each and all of you.You included me in your family and were my family,filling the void of losing my own.You all are the sweetest,closest,most loving and spiritual family I have ever known.I can never thank you enough for including me. Carlene's name is on my medical records as the next of kin and first contact number. I entrusted her with my health and my life. Both Mr. Ewing and Carlene have( had) the utmost integrity.Carlene had so many gifts and talents,whether teaching ,organizing,cooking,sewing etc. She organized my things and helped me move, a huge feat, and altered my wedding dress just to name a couple of so many things she did to help me.She was a wonderful and selfless friend.Her greatest passion and love was her family. She included them,Mr. Ewing,her children and the grandchildren in every conversation. She lived for them. We should all be so blessed to have someone love us so deeply. May God bless and keep each and all of you and give you His continued,protection, love and peace. In love and prayers, Jill Allain Dean.

Condolence: One of my favorite teachers at CHS. Such a wonderful lady and caring teacher. She will truly be missed! So sorry for your family's loss. Prayers for your family.

Condolence: One of my favorite teachers at CHS. Such a wonderful lady and caring teacher. She will truly be missed! So sorry for your family's loss. Prayers for your family.

Condolence: Doug and I are extremely sorry for your loss. When I think of Carlene, I can't help but smile. I greatly admire her professionalism as a teacher. It seemed she always knew the right thing to do and how to do it. However, along with that professionalism came Carlene's sense of humor. I taught with her a lot of years at the middle school, and in that time, we shared a lot of laughs. I can still hear her laugh and see her lovely smile. It so warms my heart. She was always a leader, a giver, and willing to take on whatever the new challenge may be at the time. Carlene was so unique and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayer are with each of you.
Doug and Nancy Hill