A Tribute To Carlene and the Crosswalk

When I worked at Central Church in Collierville, Tennessee, I had a daily routine I came to love. After parking by the Worship Center, I’d walk straight into Central’s coffee shop and bookstore—the Crosswalk—managed by Carlene Boldizar. Without fail, she’d hand me the best cup of coffee in town: beans roasted by her husband, George, and brewed to perfection by Carlene herself.

I can’t think of a single workday that didn’t begin with coffee and a conversation with Carlene. She was my barista and my friend. Most afternoons, I’d stop back in after lunch for a caffeine boost to finish the day. And while the coffee really was excellent, it was Carlene’s kindness and humor that drew me in again and again.

We talked about everything: Vandy sports, documentaries she and George had been watching, and—our favorite subject—books. Carlene ran the church bookstore, and I’m pretty sure I was her most loyal customer. I bought countless books from her, and she even indulged me by letting me recommend a few for the shelves. We’d laugh (and occasionally lament) about how people don’t seem to buy books like they used to, but we also hoped—together—that more people would rediscover the joy of reading.

When I heard Carlene was retiring, I joked that I must have moved away at exactly the right time, because I’m not sure I could survive Central without Carlene and her coffee. For four years, she was the steady presence behind the counter—listening, encouraging, and brightening the ordinary moments with warmth and wit.

Central Church won’t be the same without you, Carlene. Thank you for the coffee, the conversations, and the friendship.