Charla Joy Major McMechan passed away August 3, 2021 at the age of 82. She was born to Inez May Parks Major and Charles Paul Major on May 8, 1939 and lived in Union County until retirement. Active in 4-H, she received numerous awards and trips and was an Indiana State Fair Honor Girl.
Charla graduated from Kitchel High School as Senior Class President and Valedictorian. Three years later she received a degree in Elementary Education and honorary recognition from Ball State Teachers College. She received her Masters in Guidance & Counseling from Miami University of Ohio.
She taught at Charles School in Richmond, Indiana, and at Liberty Elementary and Liberty Middle School in Liberty, Indiana. She was named an I-Star Teacher and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. Some of her club affiliations included the Cottage Keepers/Circle of Friends and the Clytie Literary Club, serving both as President.
Through 4-H Junior Leaders, she met her husband Jim. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on July 23, 2021 at their retirement condo on Anna Maria Island, Florida.
Charla delighted in hostessing family and friends at their Indiana farmstead and their Florida condo. Her writings include 53 journals, seven biographies, and creative Christmas letters. She loved growing orchids and eagerly awaited the sunrises on the Bay and sunsets on the Gulf.
Her brother Paul Eric Major precedes her in death. Survivors include husband Jim McMechan; son James Michael McMechan from Indianapolis; daughter Joni Checchia and Dr. Paul from Houston; Mac McMechan from Brooklyn, NY; grandson Eric McMechan from Atlanta; and grandson Andrew Checchia from Los Angeles.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In Charla’s honor generate an act of kindness. Also take time to view a sunrise or sunset and reflect on its beauty.