Charlene Severa Spears

Charlene Severa Hunt Spears, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and travel industry pioneer, passed away peacefully in her hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on November 12, 2025. After a life filled with adventure, love, and faith, she journeyed to her eternal destination in Heaven.

Charlene was born in Bartlesville, spent her teen years in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and returned to her beloved hometown of Bartlesville to build a life filled with family, faith, and service. She met the love of her life, Chuck Spears, in Bartlesville, and they were married for 59 wonderful years on November 26, 1949, and soon started their family.

A true pioneer in the travel industry, Charlene began her career with Kelley Travel in 1956. In 1958, she and Chuck purchased the business, renaming it Spears World Travel Service, which grew and expanded to Tulsa in 1972. Known for her love for people, exceptional sales skills, and dedication, Charlene helped thousands of clients plan their dream vacations while traveling extensively herself. She treated every staff member as family and inspired her children—Gary, Greg, and grandson Austin to carry on the family business. Son Charlie is a retired University of Tulsa Campus Minister, and daughter Carol is a high school drama teacher in Hollywood, FL.

Charlene’s family was the center of her life. She is survived by her four children: Charlie Spears and wife Joan, Gary Spears and wife Cindy, Greg Spears and wife Denise, and Carol Spears and husband Brent Damis; six grandchildren and spouses - Daeva Spears, Matthew Spears, Chelsey Ketcher, Austin Spears, Ashley Spears, and Joshua Spears; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chuck Spears, her parents, Corinne and B.J. Hunt, and her brother, Bates James Hunt Jr.

Charlene and Chuck became Christians and were very devoted to their church East Cross. They also led many Bible study groups in their home. Charlene was very active with Christian Women’s Club, and was a frequent speaker at club meetings throughout the region. Both became active with the Waikiki Beach Chaplaincy during their many trips to Hawaii. Her Christian faith guided her every day, and she was eager to share the love of Jesus with everyone she met!

Charlene’s Cherokee heritage was a source of pride in her life; her grandfather was a recognized Cherokee citizen and even served as a temporary Chief. Her passions included swimming, horseback riding, music, traveling—especially to Hawaii and New York—and, above all, sharing the love of Jesus Christ with everyone she met. She cherished family gatherings, sporting events, and concerts with her children and grandchildren.

A public viewing for Charlene will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, as well as Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. A A private burial for the family will be conducted. A public memorial service will be held on Monday, December 29th, at 2pm at East Cross Church on Madison Boulevard in Bartlesville, celebrating her remarkable life, faith, and the love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Charlene Spears’ life was a journey marked by love, adventure, and devotion—both to her family and her faith. She leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to East Cross Church. 820 S. Madison Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006. Also The Bartlesville Symphony, www.bartlesvillesymphony.org.