Willa Charlene (Hillman) Pugh

Willa Charlene (Hillman) Pugh, 77, Brooklyn, passed away suddenly on February 16, 2026.  Charlene was born on March 27, 1948, in Indianapolis, to the late Charles and Amy Willmette (Lampe) Hillman.  She married Otis Pugh, Sr., on May 27, 1966, and he survives.

Charlene graduated 8^th in her class from Martinsville High School in 1966.  She worked in various capacities through the years, but there was always a main focus in Charlene’s vocation – helping others.  She had been an advisor to the Clay Township Trustee and was serving on the Clay Township Board at the time of her passing.  Charlene was an active member of the Brooklyn Christian Church, where she served as a deaconess and consistently helped with the Clay Township Food Pantry.  She was also very involved in Clothe a Child.  Charlene took great pride in serving and helping people in need.  Above all, she was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Charlene’s sudden passing leaves a huge void in the lives of those who loved her most, but also a sense of joy, knowing that she is in the presence of the Lord.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, April Worley, and a brother, Phillip Hillman.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Otis Pugh, Sr.; children, Otis (Dee) Pugh, Jr. and Karen (Bob) Cornwell; brothers, Charles C. (Sue) Hillman, Jr. and Michael (Russette) Hillman; sister, Micky J. Spradlin; grandchildren, Brandon and Toni Pugh and Donald Cornwell; great grandchildren, Branson, Jace, and Logan Pugh.

Charlene’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory.  The Funeral Service will begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the funeral home.  Burial will be in West Newton Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Brooklyn Christian Church.  Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.