Obituary of Carlene B. Gathers-Bloxom

Carlene Beverly Gilbert Gathers Bloxom age 77 crossed over to glory on April 18th peacefully at home with her family after a valiant battle with Leukemia. Born to Eugene and Beverly Gilbert in Pittsfield ME in 1943, Carlene moved to Pennsville NJ as young girl where she helped her family in their Penns Grove consignment store, attending auctions with her brother Richie every weekend. Last year she revisited auctioning, attending the South Jersey Auction as often as she could with a keen eye for the "Find" whether it was clothing, jewelry, furniture or trinket, Carlene could find it. Carlene had a love for all things outdoors, instilled early on in her life by her father, she instilled her love of gardening, camping, fishing and wildlife observation to her children and grandchildren. Carlene loved the natural beaches of Assateague VA and the Outer Banks of North Carolina especially Ocracoke Island. As a young woman Carlene met and married Jimmy L. Gathers Sr. and together they raised five children. A loving, down to earth mother not only to her own children but all the neighbor kids as well, she was more than just a Mom and Homemaker. Carlene held down jobs as a waitress, quality control inspector, and construction worker, often working shoulder to shoulder with her husband Jim, a carpenter, on many projects, once building an entire enclosed deck by herself in a single day. Carlene also attended welding school and became a certified welder, she was extremely creative and resourceful, could make or repair anything with whatever material was available to make her vision come true. Later in life Carlene moved to Chincoteague VA where she met her buddy and sweetheart Wesley Bloxom. Wesley was the leader of the World Famous Salt Water Cowboys together Carlene and Wesley hosted the Salt Water Cowboys "Easy Riders" at their residence annually for 27 years to help prepare and execute the Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim. The two were always together and beloved by all who knew them. Oh and there's Buttercup, the other love of her life her Shih Tzu puppy she loved and enjoyed for over 15 years. Carlene was a very beautiful person inside and out. She had an amazing sense of style always on the cutting edge of fashion, an original Diva. She had a Sassy way about her and tenacious energy that helped her through many trials and tribulations. Beloved by generations she was forever young at heart. Leaving to cherish her memory are daughters Giselle J Huckoby (Al) of Penns Grove NJ and Patricia J Sulecki of Newark De. Son Robert L. Gathers of Pennsville NJ, Sister Michele J Wiley-Brown of Pedricktown NJ, Brother William E. Gilbert (JoAnn) of Pennsville NJ, Sister-in-law Regeina H. Gilbert. Carlene leaves 20 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered by Special brother in-law Paul D. Bloxom (Diane) of Chincoteague VA and her BFF Shelby Hurdle of Burgaw NC. Carlene will be sadly missed by numerous extended family members, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and loving friends. Carlene was predeceased by her parents Eugene and Beverly Gilbert, her husband Jimmy L. Gathers Sr., and her husband Wesley R. Bloxom. Sons, Charles M. Gathers and Jimmy L. Gathers Jr. and, her Brother Richard A. Gilbert, Son-in Law Brian W. Huckoby and her precious pup Buttercup. A life Celebration for Carlene and her brother Richard will occur at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Carlene's memory to the National CML Society, 130 Inverness Plaza #307 Birmingham, AL 35242, www.nationalcmlsociety.org/donate. www.laugheryfuneralhome.com To plant a tree in memory of Carlene Bloxom please visit Tribute Store www.laughreyfuneralhome.com