Clinton Mother of Twelve Shares Faith-Filled Experience at Charlie Kirk Memorial

The memorial service for Charlie Kirk drew thousands of people from across the country and around the world. Among them was Laurens County’s own Shellie Carles of Clinton, a wife and mother of twelve, who felt called to attend and later shared her experience with The Buzz.

Why She Went

For Carles, the decision was rooted in the impact Kirk had already made in her own home. She recalled attending a Turning Point USA event in Columbia, SC, this past spring and described the influence as “genuine and lasting.” With children spanning every stage of life—from grade schoolers to teenagers, college students, and young adults just starting their careers—she saw firsthand how his message encouraged them to ask questions, defend their faith, and discuss issues of morality and freedom with their peers.

“As a mom of twelve, I see every stage of growing up happening under one roof,” Carles said. “Charlie’s message spoke to each of them in different ways, but always with the same heart—to help them think, question, and stand strong in their faith. Kids today are bombarded with social media pressures, constant noise from the culture, and peers who often challenge their values. Charlie gave them the confidence to ask hard questions and the courage to stand for truth.”

What Stood Out

The memorial service, she said, was marked by its diversity. “Every nationality was there—Charlie Kirk made each one of us feel heard and loved by Jesus. We all loved him like a dear friend,” Carles explained.

For her, the music was another highlight. “It was the closest to what I imagine heaven will be like. His presence was undeniable… the whole stadium was covered in His presence.”

A Lasting Memory

The moment that left the deepest mark came through Erika, Kirk’s widow, whose words of forgiveness toward his killer resonated throughout the crowd. “Her strength and depth of forgiveness… it was felt in the whole stadium,” Carles said. “Charlie Kirk impacted any life that crossed his path. He loved deeply and humbly.”

Journey to the Memorial

Carles’ trip to the service had its own moments of providence. When her rental car reservation fell through, she found an obscure minivan at the last minute. Within hours, she had picked up three stranded travelers, transforming them from stressed strangers into what she described as “newfound family.” She had also planned ahead to meet up with dear friends from Colorado, and being able to share the memorial experience with them made the experience even more meaningful.

While news reports later described chaos outside the stadium on Sunday, Carles and her group, who arrived at 3 a.m., experienced a peaceful scene. “Only a few hundred early risers were there, sitting in folding chairs and on blankets. As the sun came up, it felt as though God Himself was shining down on us—and with dear friends by my side, it was a quiet reminder of His providence and the strength we find only in Him,” she reflected.

A Chance Encounter

Carles and her friends also crossed paths with 17-year-old Duke Denman, a young cowboy from Texas and president of his high school TPUSA chapter. Denman had dined with Kirk just weeks earlier and told them how Kirk made you feel “seen and heard, as if you were the only person in the room.”

A Personal Tribute

For Carles, the memorial was both a celebration of Kirk’s life and a personal call to carry forward his message. “Charlie Kirk was a man who touched countless lives with faith, humility, and love,” she said. “Being there reminded me of the responsibility we each have to continue the work he began. Surrounded by so many believers, it truly felt like God’s light was shining down on us, urging us to keep pressing forward in faith and unity. For my children, Charlie showed them that their faith and values could stand strong in the world.”

Cover photo – Shellie Carles (second from left) with her friends.