Charlene Abbott

Charlene Ann Abbott

Cyclist, adventurer, beloved wife, aunt and daughter
August 14, 1965 – July 29, 2025

With profound sadness and admiration, we share the passing of Charlene Ann Abbott, age 59, who left this world on July 29, 2025, after courageously battling cancer for over twenty years. Born on August 14, 1965, in Miami, Florida, Charlene graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelors of accounting, on an athletic scholarship. She interned with the Fed before beginning a 37 year career with Bank of America Leasing as VP/Sales Tax Manager. Charlene’s life was a shining example of strength, resilience, and unshakable spirit.
For more than two decades, Charlene faced illness with remarkable grace and tenacity—refusing to let it define her. Through every treatment, every obstacle, and every uncertain day, she kept riding, kept moving, and kept living fully. Her long journey with cancer did not slow her down; it only made her fiercer, more grounded, and even more determined to savor every moment.
Charlene’s greatest passion was cycling. The road became her sanctuary—a place where she felt strong, free, and in control. Whether training for a long ride, pedaling through peaceful country routes, or encouraging others in the cycling community, she lived to be on her bike with her closest friends. Her love for the ride symbolized her approach to life: push forward, breathe deep, and embrace every mile.
She also cherished time spent running, hiking, and simply being in nature. The outdoors offered her peace, clarity, and energy—a space where she connected deeply with the world around her.
Charlene was the beloved wife of Al Abbott, her greatest support and constant companion. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and shared strength. At the heart of their home were their two adored dogs, Jonah and Micah, who brought comfort, loyalty, and endless affection to Charlene’s days. They were her faithful companions through every season of life.
Charlene is survived by her mother, Allie Mae McKinley; her siblings Michael and Pamela; and her cherished niece, Bridgett McKinley, whom she shared a special bond—filled with love, trust, and the closeness of a mother and daughter, as well as many nephews and a circle of loved ones who were endlessly inspired by her will, warmth, and unwavering optimism. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert McKinley, whose memory she held close.
To know Charlene was to witness quiet bravery and boundless heart. She lived not in the shadow of illness, but in the light of every beautiful day she could seize. Her legacy is one of motion, courage, and love.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 12noon in the Chapel of McDonald and Son Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends the day of the service from 10am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to donate in her honor to the Van Purser Foundation https://vanpurserfoundation.org/