Charlyne S. Wyche

Charlyne Smith Wyche passed away on June 6 at her home surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy from the many lives that she touched through her teaching, friendships, church life and community involvement. Her intellect, wit, and genuine caring nature drew people of all ages to her.

Charlyne is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Jim Wyche of Lake Charles; two daughters, Susan Sangster of Philadelphia, PA, and Karen Contos of Windsor, CO; and five granddaughters, Virginia, Rosella, Madison, Alyssandra and Sydney. She is also survived by her sister, Sandra Reynolds of Bauxite, AR; three nephews, Ronnie Reynolds of Rogers, AR, Randy Reynolds of Bauxite, AR, and Jeff Reynolds of Dallas, TX; one niece, Kim Rush of Bauxite, AR; and five great-nieces and nephews, Courtney, Nick, Jake, David and Alex.

A native of Vivian, Louisiana, Charlyne attended Louisiana Tech University, where she received her B.A. in English education, and McNeese State University, where she earned her M.A. in English as well as a 30+ hour emphasis in Literature. She began her teaching career, which spanned nearly three decades, in 1959 at Tallulah High School. After moving to Lake Charles in 1961, she began teaching English at LaGrange High School and later went on to teach English in the Gifted and Talented program at Barbe High School and West Lake High School. She was named Teacher of the Year for Calcasieu Parish for the 1996-97 school year. After retiring from teaching in 1997, she continued to share her expertise in education by conducting regional testing for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the national report card, and coordinating and implementing the first online testing in the region.

Her passion for teaching, leadership and mentorship extended well beyond the classroom. She served as President of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international organization dedicated to the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education; President of the local chapter of PEO International, a philanthropic organization that celebrates, motivates and helps educate women; and President of Review Club.

A long-time resident of Lake Charles, Charlyne was actively involved in the First United Methodist Church, which was her church home for more than five decades. She was a longtime teacher of the Open Door Sunday School class and a lifetime member of United Methodist Women (UMC).

Following her retirement, Charlyne embraced her love of travel, visiting more than 100 countries across all seven continents with her husband. When not traveling, she enjoyed playing bridge with the T&T Bridge Group and the Dessert Bridge Club as well as exercising with the 50+ fitness group at the Christus Athletic Club. 

Visitation will take place at Johnson Funeral Home on Friday, June 8, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles on Saturday, June 9, at 11:00 a.m. Cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, gifts or donations may be sent to the First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles.