I couldn't have imagined my childhood nor adulthood without my Aunt Charlene. She was my second Mom. I LOVE HER SO MUCH ! She taught me so many things like how to be a lady, and not to steal or lie. She detested liars and thieves . She couldn't stand bullshitters! I grew up watching this very sweet but direct woman call anyone out if they were bullshitting. She required honesty. She loved to dress and felt a lady should care about their appearance. Man o man my Aunt Charlene, Aunt Janie & Momma wore some hot pants that would blow any man's mind. They all were so stylish. Auntie was tall and slim with a bangin figure. Y'all she would wear her cropped half tops showing that stomach and waistline well into her 60's ( so that's where I got it from😊) She truly is one of a kind! For Real! I take pride in the values she instilled in me and our family. She loved her family like no other. She taught me so much but she could not get me to like that Kitchen. I loved to eat but I wasn't interested in cooking. It is common knowledge in my family that I'll help clean up but not cook. The most they could get me to do was make the cornbread and that was with assistance😊 When I tell you my Auntie could burn, OMG! My favorite meal was and still is fried chicken,macaroni and cheese, candied yams, cabbage, and cornbread! She would make my favorite meal and one of my favorite desserts, pineapple upside down cake or banana pudding,whenever I would come home.Talk about funny😆. She was a hoot! We might say Aunt Charlene are you cooking today? or Aunt Charlene are you bowling today? She would come with her famous line " Is pigs puss# pork" 😅🤣🤣

Well we know pigs puss# is made from pork so that meant yes😆

We would sit in the living room for hours listening to her and my uncle play the dozens with one another. My uncle was a quiet man but he would get some good ones in, however he was no match for Aunt Charlene... Oh and bowling..WOW! She and my uncle were professional bowlers. She had so many trophies. She won mega prize money and even a car. My brother and I stayed in the bowling alleys growing up. I love to bowl even now.

Our matriarch is in heaven but my heart is aching because I wish I had just one more conversation. She loved my brother and I so much. As kids Momma would drop us off at Aunties house. Momma knew we couldn't get away with anything over there. She knew Aunt Charlene didn't play. Christmas time was magical. I remember so many gifts, especially my organ. I have a zillion memories. As an adult whenever I would travel home my 1st stop was Aunt Charlenes. She would open the door with the biggest smile and hug me so good. Whenever I called she would say "Hey my Sweet, how's my favorite neice". Up until her passing she would call my father EVERY day...everyday! He misses her so much! He has a void that I'm trying to fill as much as I can. People deal with death differently. I have a really hard time with Death. I just wish life wasn't set up like this, it's so painful. I pray to God I'll see my Auntie again😪. She was a strong woman, a no

nonsense woman. If she were talking to me right now she would tell me to be strong and that death is a part of life. I'm over here crying like a baby with colic. Please pray for me and my family. There are going to be so many tears tomorrow. She lived a good long life that was pleasing to the Lord. I'm one of those that talk to the deceased. Their bodies are gone but their spirits are here. She's right here in this room with me as I type with these crocodile tears.

" Aunt Charlene I love you sooooo much. I'm going to miss you terribly. Thank you for helping shape me into the woman I've become. You always made me feel so loved. Please come to me in my dreams and when I'm awake. Don't worry about Daddy I've got him.

89 years young!! You Rocked this life and I know you're gonna Rock heaven. Rest well MY SWEET

Love your favorite neice

Carole❤"